How do you feel about the new pope? Here’s what you told us.

When Cardinal Robert Prevost was picked to be Pope Leo XIV, we asked Chicago readers how they felt about the hometown cleric becoming the “da pope.” Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:

“All indications are he will pick up where Pope Francis left off. Being originally from Chicago should keep him grounded and real. His South American experience should give him a good perspective of the world’s Latin influence.”
— Kevin Giegoldt

“I feel so happy he’s a Chicagoan. He reminds me so much of our beautiful Cardinal Bernadin.”

— Martha Mendoza

“I was shocked when they said they picked the first American Pope. I also wish he wasn’t so political like Francis. … I was hoping for someone to be picked strictly for the good of the Catholic Church. It’s bad enough the country is divided over politics, and now to have another political pope was not what I wanted.”
— Karen Ogorzaly Larkin

“I’m praying that he agrees with the full disclosure Pope Francis forged about the abuse scandals and embraces the necessary healing.”

— Nicole Beck

“He is an answered prayer. He is similar in thought, intellect and philosophy to Pope Francis and will continue to say truth to egocentric misplaced perceived power. … And the fact that he is from Chicago and a citizen of Peru dramatically evidences that this is indeed a small world. And intolerance and inhumanity and greed have no place in it.”
— Gemma B. Allen

“Part of me wanted the next pope to come from a third world country, but I think this pope will be sensitive to the needs of all.”

— Gisella Montuano

“I see it as an honor to have someone so familiar with the urban experience to have access to the world stage. Chicago is one unique city. … The orange one makes this a very trying time to hold and mold the Catholic legacy. I hope his grace will be able to guide, yet stay out of the line of fire.”
— Marc Nash

“He likes Aurelio’s Pizza, so we’re good.”
—Tim Hillgard