Milwaukee-area Catholics reacted joyfully to the news of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV, was elected a day after the conclave began. He's the first American pope in history.

The College of Cardinals has elected its first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, and Milwaukee Catholics are celebrating.

Chicagoans celebrated the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the U.S. and a Chicago native, with joy and hope for a renewed focus on social justice and unity within the Catholic Church.