‘A beautiful gift’: First American pope sparks joy and excitement among local Catholic community

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Friday marked a day of celebration at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, as Richmond's Catholic community united for a special mass in honor of the selection of the new pope Leo XIV. The energy was almost emotional, but in a joyful and heartwarming way.

8News spoke with Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout as he recalled Thursday afternoon and the moments after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel in the conclusion of the 2025 papal conclave.

"I'm listening to the name and I'm like… 'Did I hear the name I thought I heard?' Bishop Knestout said. "My jaw dropped when I heard it. I had not expected it at all."

The announcement of the first American-born pope caught many by surprise.

"This is a whole 'nother perspective on the life of the church," Knestout said. "We're so used to, popes, pontiffs from, Europe, from other parts of the world... to have one from the United States [is] just kind of a new perspective... I'm not quite sure I've digested it all yet and reflected fully on its impact, but [it is] certainly a cause for joy for us here, locally and throughout the country."

Emily Pugsley attended the special Mass. She grew up in the Richmond Diocese. She told 8News that this local celebration means a lot to her and her faith.

"It doesn't happen too often in your lifetime," Pugsley said. "Especially... the first American pope… [I] never thought that would happen. Ever. Especially not in my lifetime and so, again, taking advantage of that and being able to be a part of that and witness this historic moment is huge."

Church leaders said the new Pope's selected papal name could signal how he plans to lead. We're told the previous "Pope Leo" -- Leo XIII -- was integral in promoting social teaching and advocating for peace and justice. Bishop Knestout called this recent announcement a "beautiful gift."

"I think they saw him as one who would bring continuity to a lot of the work that occurred before, I think, with all the pontiffs, but certainly Pope Francis, and also one who would be who would practically be a unifier," Knestout said when asked about the conclave. "One who wants to really foster unity and communion among all of us."