Manhattan's St. Patrick’s Cathedral became a hub of jubilant activity yesterday as New Yorkers celebrated a momentous occasion in Catholic history: the election of the first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, who will lead as Pope Leo XIV. A wave of local excitement was unmistakable as the faithful and onlookers gathered at the cathedral, a sentiment echoed by Jennifer Kelly who told Gothamist, "Really promising, I think, that we have an American pope — an America-first pope." Kelly's pride was shared by many, as St. Patrick's became the epicenter for a spontaneous communal celebration.
As news of the papal election swept through the city, so did a surge of New Yorkers making their way to the cathedral. Abby Maddaluna and Maggie Walsh, who work nearby, “got up and ran” when they heard the announcement, capturing the historic enthusiasm in person. Quoted in the Gothamist's coverage, Catherine Magyera, a visitor, was moved by the pope's message of unity. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams also shared their congratulations on social media, signaling a unified hope for inspirational leadership from the new pontiff.
Meanwhile, according to personal accounts featured by the New York Post, personal work schedules and plans were promptly put aside for a bigger calling. The excitement seemed to ripple across various neighborhoods as people from every corner made their way to St. Patrick’s. Jackie Johnson, a 27-year-old accountant from Brooklyn shared, "It makes me feel more connected to the Vatican,” and expressed hope for the new pope's potential to draw younger generations to the church.
Businesses found their own way to celebrate, none perhaps as sweetly as La Guli Pastry in Astoria, which began creating "Pope Leo" cookies shortly after the white smoke was sighted in Rome, a traditional signal that a new pope has been chosen. Bakery owner Maria Notaro, as reported by the New York Post, articulated the sentiment with, "This is an exciting time not only for Catholics but for the world to see the white smoke and know that there is a new leader of the Catholic Church, especially an American." Even the Empire State Building joined in celebrating the historic moment by announcing that it would shine its lights in the Vatican colors of gold and white.
The historic gravity of the moment held a particular call for individuals like Brian Kerwin, a wealth manager who had attended the same university as the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, albeit at different times. He told the New York Post, "I'm hoping, particularly as an American, that he brings people together rather than pushing people apart, that he preaches the gospel and it's all about love, not hate." His hopes reflect a broader anticipation among the faithful that this new papal leadership will usher in an era of unity and reinvigoration for the church both in America and globally.
