LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Archdiocese of Las Vegas welcomes the first American Pope of the Catholic Church through a statement shared with Channel 13 on Thursday morning.
The College of Cardinals have elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the next Pope of the Catholic Church. ABC News reports Prevost has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, and that his election makes him the first American to serve in the papacy.
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We went to Guardian Angel Cathedral on the Strip, where both churchgoers and Archbishop George Lee Thomas attended Thursday, to hear their thoughts and hopes on Pope Leo XIV.
Having met Prevost prior to his election, Archbishop George Leo Thomas offered words of welcome and gratitude to the new pope:
"With gratitude to God and profound joy, we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide and sustain him as he begins his ministry to the Universal Church. I pledge my love, fidelity, and solidarity to our new Pope, offering unwavering support for his sacred mission as the Successor of Saint Peter. On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of southern Nevada, we assure Pope Leo XIV of our constant prayers and deep affection as he leads the Universal Church."
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Auxiliary Bishop Gregory W. Gordon shared similar sentiments:
“With great joy and renewed hope, during this Jubilee Year of Hope, we give thanks to Almighty God for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As he begins his Petrine ministry, we offer him our heartfelt prayers, steadfast support, and unwavering fidelity as he shepherds the Universal Church. I join Archbishop Thomas and the faithful in Las Vegas in welcoming Pope Leo XIV as the 267th successor of Saint Peter."
The Archdiocese of Las Vegas plan to host a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the pope's election. The event will take place at Guardian Angel Cathedral on May 11 at 11 a.m., where all will be welcome.
It’s not just Catholics celebrating this historic event. Leaders at Congregation Ner Tamid, a local synagogue, offered their congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, saying, in part:
“We honor this moment of renewal and spiritual leadership for Catholics around the world, and we join you in prayer for wisdom, compassion, and peace to guide Pope Leo XIV in his sacred mission. As people of faith, we recognize the power of hope that such moments bring to our respective traditions. Judaism and Catholicism share a long and complex history, but also a deepening partnership grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared values. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds of understanding and friendship between our communities in Las Vegas and beyond.”
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