SALISBURY, MD -- On Thursday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV was selected as the first American Pope to lead the Catholic Church. Catholics of all ages in Salisbury celebrated the news.
Students at the St. Francis de Sales School in Salisbury watched livestreams of the announcement in many of their classes today, according to principal Debbie Traum.
"When they said it was an American, there were cheers throughout the building," Traum said. "We're just all so excited to have a new pope, a new leader. It's a new era."
Traum said she's hopeful the newly elected Pope will serve as a role model for her Catholic and Non-Catholic students alike.
"Pope Francis talked about hope. And today, Pope Leo talked about hope. My kids are paying attention. They're listening to that message," Traum said. "Leo was the original Pope. Pope Leo the Great who was known for peace and for bringing people together. I think that's what we're looking forward to, is peace and bringing the world together."
Rev. Christopher LaBarge with the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church said he was caught off guard by the decision.
"We've never had an American Pope, and I don't think many thought we ever would," Rev. LaBarge said. "I think there's a little bit of rejoicing in that it's someone who knows our language, and who knows our culture."
Rev. LaBarge said he's hopeful Pope Leo XIV will bring that into his new role.
"As an American, what is at the heart of our culture, and especially if he grew up in Chicago, is that we're united in our diversity," Rev. LaBarge said. "Whether you think he's gonna be right or left, he is the vigor of Christ for us."