San Diego Catholics who watched American pope debut call choice ‘pure joy'
(FOX 5/KUSI) — Catholics all across San Diego County witnessed a historic moment as the papal conclave chose an American as the new pope.
At the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego in Clairemont, parishioners and church leaders gathered to watch as Cardinal Robert Prevost was named pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
'Just by the name — Leo the 14th — it tells me that he's concerned about social justice,' said Maria Valencia, a local Catholic.
The announcement was met with emotion and reflection, especially among those who see Pope Leo as a continuation of Pope Francis' legacy.
'This is the man for the hour, obviously, especially right now,' said Sister Kathleen Warren. 'Because of his extreme sensitivities to those who are poor, those who are on the margins, asylum seekers, and those in need of welcome to a new situation because of the horrendous oppression in so many places of the world.'
Bishop Michael Pham of the San Diego Diocese recalled working with Prevost during a bishop's workshop in Rome.
'He was kind, quiet and compassionate — always listening,' Pham said. 'He would come over and read us like everyone else. That was a great moment for me, to know a cardinal who was so observant.'
The sense of excitement was echoed at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Diego, where Catholics gathered for a noon Mass.
'I know that he is a missionary, which is important to me,' said Catherine Barley. 'So I think his heart is in the right place.'
'With everything happening in the world, especially in the United States, it's a good thing that we have a true American — the first pope who is fully English-speaking,' said James De Leon. 'I think he can relate to a lot of people all over the world.'
Pope Leo XIV is multilingual, fluent in Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese — qualities that local Catholics believe will help him connect with a global audience.
'This is a great day for our Church — and for the world,' Pham said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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