Long Islanders react to the naming of the Pope Leo XIV
News 12 spoke to those on the island who say their feeling of excitement of learning a new pope was named was replaced with a feeling of shock when they found out the new pontiff is from the United States.
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Long Islanders are reacting to news of the election of Pope Leo XIV - going from excitement to shock.
Pope Leo XIV introduced himself to the world Thursday, and shocked many after being elected the first pope from the United States.
"I was crying when I first saw the news. It was beautiful,” said Diane Pellechia, of North Babylon.
The picture of the new pontiff greeting those in St. Peter’s Square is not greeting parishioners at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.
Diocese of Rockville Centre Bishop John Barres describes the moment as ecstatic and unbelievable.
"There he is as the new Holy Father just asking us to build bridges of charity,” he said.
The Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville pray Pope Leo will carry on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
"I feel that this pope is going to be a pope for everyone like Francis was,” said Sister Mary Nolan, OP.
Sister Mary Anna Euring, OP hopes he can continue to build bridges to bring people back to the church.
"To be there for the people that need him in the church, especially people that have fallen from the church that they felt they were not accepted,” she said.
Sister Margaret Galiardi, OP hopes he carries on the meanings behind the Holy Jubilee year.
"The church is for the world and for all of the people in the world,” she said. “Showing us how to be good Americans. To be open, to be welcoming to all people."
Catholics on the island say they hope the new pontiff is able to remind everyone of another important message.
"We all have so much in common and we're all here to help each other, no matter what faith we are,” said Pellechia.
