Introduction to the New Pope
The election of a new pope has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the Catholic community, and Los Angeles is no exception. Archbishop José H. Gomez will preside at a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV.
The New Pope: A Historic Election
Chicago native Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made history as the first American ever elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This significant event marks a new era for the Catholic Church, and the Los Angeles archdiocese is eager to celebrate. Gomez will be joined by auxiliary bishops and other clergy from across the LA archdiocese at the 12:10 p.m. Mass in downtown Los Angeles. The Mass will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.
The Significance of the Election
Friday’s Mass is the archdiocese’s official observance marking the election of the new Holy Father. Pope Leo XIV emerged from the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica to a cheering crowd as the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born Prevost, who at a relatively young 69 could serve for decades, was in charge of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome.
Reaction from the Community
The Peruvian community in Hawaiian Gardens reacted with joy and surprise when the first American and first Peruvian national became the leader of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Gomez spoke Thursday on the election of Pope Leo XIV and his history in Latin America. "He knows Latin America, which is very important to all of us in Los Angeles," said Archbishop Gomez. "It is a beautiful day in the life of the Catholic Church and the life of everyone on Earth."
Background on the New Pope
Pope Leo XIV became the leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, becoming the first pope to ever have been born in the United States. The conclave began Wednesday, a day that ended with black smoke billowing out of the chapel chimney, signaling no pope had been chosen. Some of the cardinals had said they expected a short conclave, but recent history suggested a few rounds of voting would be necessary. For much of the past century, the conclave has needed between three and 14 ballots to find a pope.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the first Latin American pontiff, died April 21 in the Vatican at age 88 — one day after Easter. He served as pope for 12 years. A pair of Francis’ shoes were put on display at the downtown Los Angeles cathedral. The shoes were a gift from the late pope to Noel Díaz, an evangelist and journalist from Los Angeles. Archbishop Gomez said Francis "was always very close to all of us here at the archdiocese Los Angeles. He sent us a beautiful message during the wildfires, and he was always in touch with us."
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles comprises a vast region of Southern California spanning three counties, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara. As of 2005, the total Roman Catholic population within the Archdiocese stood at 4.3 million. There are 288 parishes in 120 cities.
Conclusion
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new era for the Catholic Church, and the Los Angeles archdiocese is excited to celebrate this historic event. With a rich history and a strong connection to Latin America, Pope Leo XIV is poised to lead the Church into a new era of growth and renewal.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new pope?
A: The new pope is Pope Leo XIV, the first American and first Peruvian national to be elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Q: When was the new pope elected?
A: Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025.
Q: Who will preside at the Mass of Thanksgiving?
A: Archbishop José H. Gomez will preside at the Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Q: How can I watch the Mass of Thanksgiving?
A: The Mass will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.
Q: What is the significance of the election of Pope Leo XIV?
A: The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new era for the Catholic Church, and he is the first American and first Peruvian national to be elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
