Catholics across Connecticut expressed joy, pride, and surprise following the historic election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope.

A large crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers Thursday, as Pope Francis’ successor was announced to be Pope Leo XIV, the American Robert Prevost.

CT Catholic leaders said they were not expecting the decision to come so soon, but that Pope Leo XIV is level-headed and well-qualified.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called Trump’s executive order “unconstitutional” and “un-American.”

I am praying for your success, your wisdom, and your moral clarity in guiding the church through these trying times," said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

Pope Leo XIV has already shown that he leans toward the teachings Pope Francis espoused up until his death on April 21, just hours after meeting with Vice President JD Vance, with whom he had previously disagreed. Pope Leo XIV has also shown criticism of Vance in X posts this year.

These people have not [legally] lost their right to vote, but because of logistical barriers, they have in fact lost their right to vote,” the state’s top elections official said.

Prevost, a member of the Augustinian religious order, lived for years in Peru first as a missionary and then as an archbishop. Pope Francis brought him to the Vatican in 2023 as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations. This story will be updated throughout the day. Check back later for more information.

Catholics across Connecticut expressed joy, pride, and surprise Thursday following the historic election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope. Catholics across Connecticut expressed joy, pride, and surprise Thursday following the historic election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope.