TRI-CITIES, Wash. – Cardinal Robert Prevost has made history by becoming the first American selected to lead the Catholic Church. This event was celebrated not only in Vatican City but also across the globe, including in the Tri-Cities.
Prevost, a 69-year-old native of Chicago, is now Pope Leo XIV.
He spent many years in Peru as a missionary and an archbishop. His appointment has sparked various reactions worldwide.
Dana Ehrlich shared her optimism moving forward with Pope Leo XIV.
“I think it’s exciting and I look forward to seeing what this man will do for the situation,” Dana said. “Pope Francis wasn’t my favorite, but I’m hoping for a positive outcome.”
The historic nature of an American pope was highlighted by John Ehrlich.
“This kind of a history making situation, to have an American pope,” John said. “I just want to see good things moving forward, and relationships between the United States and other countries as far as Catholicism.”
A sense of hope and change was echoed by Peggy Simpkins.
“I’m very excited. I think as Americans, we need all the help we can get right now,” Simkins said. “I was raised a Catholic, I am just really excited to see change in the Catholic Church in all churches. And I do have hope. I have hope.”
The appointment also resonated with young Americans.
“I actually thought that was kind of an empowering thing for young Americans like me who actually want to build that relationship with a higher power,” Levi Takoda McBride said.
