Mass. leaders offer congratulations as an American becomes pope

Massachusetts Catholics and political leaders took a moment to recognize new Pope Leo XIV after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elevated to leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Prevost, from Chicago, is the first American elected pope, though he presided over a Peruvian archdiocese. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was the first New World pope in history.

Declaring "Habemus papam! We have a pope!" Boston Archbishop Richard Henning echoed Leo's introductory statements that focused on peace.

"I join with Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston and throughout the world, along with people of good will, in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Holy Father," he said. "We pray for him as he begins this ministry as the Vicar of Christ and the Bishop of Rome.

Gov. Maura Healey said she joined Catholics around the world in welcoming the new pope.

"At this consequential moment, may his leadership be marked by deep compassion, humility, and a commitment to peace as we build on the legacy of Pope Francis,” she said.

Sen. Ed Markey said having an American pope was "an honor."

"We are reminded by his urging for the world to build bridges — that what unites us is stronger than what divides us," he said. "I hope to one day meet and have an audience with him to discuss the most urgent issues of our time."

Speaking with WBUR, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern said Prevost could be a good choice as a spiritual leader for a polarized world.

"I think he is somebody who spent his life doing missionary work and acts of service that improve the quality of life — especially for those who are most marginalized," he said.

The nonprofit Catholic Charities Boston focused on Leo's pledge to "build bridges through dialogue and come together as one people."

"His leadership arrives at a pivotal point for a world in need of a unifier who will carry on Pope Francis’ legacy to preserve peace and restore human dignity to the most vulnerable members of society," the group said in a statement.

Not all of the local statements were as laudatory, however. Bishop Accountability, a nonprofit that has catalogued the depth and breadth of the church's sexual abuse cases, sounded the alarm about Prevost's handing of some cases under his purview.

"He has been accused by victims in his former diocese in Peru of disregarding their allegations against two priests, and he has a history of resisting disclosure of abuse information to the public," the group said in a statement.

Nonprofit Dignity USA noted some of Prevost's less-welcoming past comments on LGBTQ issues, but offered "prayers and well wishes" to the newly elevated pope.

"This election appears to signal a willingness to continue building on Pope Francis’s commitment to synodality and social justice," the group said in a statement. "We pray that the needs of those whom our church has historically marginalized, including LGBTQ+ people and their families, will continue to be heard and addressed by the Vatican and other church leaders."