EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Catholics around the world are celebrating the historic election of Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
Here in the Borderland, many are hopeful that the new pope will carry forward the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, especially when it comes to addressing global issues.
“I’m excited about it. That we finally have a new pope. What I would love to see is unity and peace across the world,” El Paso resident Angie Rodriguez said.
Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born cardinal to ever lead the Catholic Church. Some observers say this could shape how he engages with global politics, including relations with the U.S. administration.
“Politically, the outcome in my opinion will probably be a continuation of some of Francis’s approaches,” Clayton Bench, director of UTEP’s Religious Studies, said. “Just looking at his background has some traditional leanings too, so I think it’s significant that the church has chosen someone middle of the road politically.”
Some residents like Claudia Knight hope Pope Leo XIV continues the humility and compassion that characterized Pope Francis.
“I think having come from Latin America is going to make a difference like Pope Francis did. Hopefully (Pope Leo XIV) will be like him, you know, so humble that he won everybody’s hearts,” she said.
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