Catholics across the United States flocked to churches Thursday in a spirit of celebration after the historic election of Pope Leo, the first American to assume the papacy. The 69-year-old from Chicago, who spent much of his career ministering in Peru, was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church amid widespread hope for renewal and reform.

Outside Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hundreds gathered to pray, light candles, and express optimism about the future of the Church.

Rosaria Vigorito, 66, said she could “feel the excitement just in the few minutes I've been walking around.” The Miami-based artist said she hoped Pope Leo would champion change.

“I have one issue with the Catholic Church that I'm hoping they'll correct, and that is allowing women to become priests,” she said, a crucifix around her neck. “I think Mary Magdalene was an important apostle. There was a press release issued by the Vatican years ago -- they called her the apostle to the apostles.”

Inside the 19th-century cathedral, which opened in 1879, crowds of worshippers and journalists filled the space.

Oscar Salvador, 45, a laborer from Mexico, said he believed the new pope would help stem the decline in Church attendance.

“I believe it is a blessing for the people of America,” he said. “Hopefully, he will leave a good legacy... so that more people stay in Catholicism, since lately we have seen many people leave for other religious sects.”

— ‘A bit surprised’ —

In Houston, where more than a quarter of residents reportedly identify as Catholic, some reacted with surprise to the news.

“I was not expecting an American to be elected and I'm just hoping that he carries on (pope) Francis's legacy of just being more inclusive” and “doesn't get swayed by more conservative ideology” popular now under US President Donald Trump, said Azul Montemayor, 29, an examinations officer.

Others highlighted Leo’s multicultural background and global experience.

Analyst Ciro Benitez, 41, told AFP that Leo's multiculturalism was a sign “that we can expand to different kinds of cultures, (and) I guess, to the world.”

In Washington, Julio Aiana, a 32-year-old Peruvian diplomat, celebrated Leo’s connection to Latin America.

“We are happy that now we have a pope who is half Peruvian,” Aiana said. “I believe that the times are changing.”

Reverend Monsignor W. Ronald Jameson, director of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, emphasized the new pontiff’s alignment with his predecessor.

“Leo was a friend of pope Francis -- and he has the ability to really listen and reflect on what was said, and to implement those various ideas he heard,” he said.

In Los Angeles, the faithful gathered for a special mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where prayers were offered for the new pontiff.

“I think that maybe this is a sign that hopefully he can do something to get some peace and stability in the country,” said Francis Fah.

Back in New York, Tim Anderson, 61, said he was encouraged by Leo’s linguistic skills — reportedly fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and able to read Latin and German.

“I'm still working on English so I think it's gonna be interesting in this day and age where there's so much craziness,” he laughed. “Maybe he can bring back a little bit of what I remember as a child growing up a Roman Catholic -- and how full the churches were back then.”

— ‘Welcoming to everybody’? —

Vigorito added that she hoped the new pope would unite the faithful.

“I want Leo to bring us together,” she said. She acknowledged the challenge ahead. “He has to do as much as (he) can as a religious leader, because we deal with a lot of secular politics and issues.”

“I would love the new pope to help, especially with conflicts in any way possible, like in Ukraine,” she said.

Salvador also expressed hopes for a peacemaking role.

“He can reconcile the countries that are at war and help them to reach peace so that we do not continue on this violent path,” he said.

Vigorito added that the historic election could rekindle faith for many.

“Having an American pope will help bring more people to the Catholic Church, and even those that have walked away -- maybe they'll get reengaged,” she said.

In North Carolina, Annie Elm reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis.

“He loved everybody. He lived very modestly,” she said. “He was very humble.”

Elm said she hoped Pope Leo would follow in those footsteps.

“I hope Leo will be very kind and caring -- welcoming to everybody,” she said.