Senators on Capitol Hill reacted to the election of Pope Leo XIV as the first American pope, many of them voicing excitement about the historic first. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images; Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters; Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for SEIU)
Hoeven called Pope Leo XIV’s selection "phenomenal," saying, "American Catholics are just going to be thrilled. I know they're just thrilled."
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said, "As an American Catholic, I am incredibly excited."
Kelly quipped that "as an Arizonan, this is probably the best pick the Cardinals have made since Larry Fitzgerald."
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said "we're very proud in Illinois" and mentioned that she hopes Leo "brings some of his hometown to the Vatican with him."
PRESIDENT TRUMP SAYS FIRST AMERICAN POPE, POPE LEO XIV, IS 'GREAT HONOR'
Pope Leo XIV steps out as the first American Pope at the Vatican Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Vatican Media)
Despite Markey’s assertions that Leo will follow in Francis’ footsteps, the new pope has already differed from his predecessor in several ways, including taking the more traditional name "Leo" and by wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy, which Francis chose not to wear after his election in 2013.
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After emerging to address the crowd assembled in St. Peter’s Square Thursday, Leo’s first words were "Peace be with you," which he said in Italian. He delivered a message to the faithful on building bridges, peace and dialogue "without fear."
Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/capitol-hill-lawmakers-react-election-first-american-pope-unbelievable