Springfield Bishop Byrne and locals offer remarks on elected Pope Leo XIV

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Bishop William Byrne held a news conference on remarks on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

22News live-streamed the event from St. Michael's Cathedral on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the media player above.

On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

69-year-old Robert Prevost, taking the name of Leo XIV, said “Peace be with you” in his first words as pope, offering a message of peace and dialogue “without fear.” He was born in Chicago and spent much of his life ministering in Peru. He also holds citizenship in Peru. "I'm glad we got our first American Pope, i'm hoping that he will bring the change we need to the world" says Tonie Hicks of West Springfield.

People across Western Massachusetts are looking forward to what Pope Leo XIV will do for the world. "I hope he's happy that he's elected and that he fulfills God's word," says Maria Caballeros.

Bishop William Byrne with the Diocese of Springfield told 22News,"Pope Leo's motto as a bishop was about we are because we are all in Christ. We are one. And so that unity of being part of the body of Christ, with our head leading,g and God is speaking on behalf of the whole body. So he is the principle and the symbol of our unity."

He is the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church, elected by his fellow cardinals on the second day of their conclave. Prevost appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Pope Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.

Like any American, Pope Leo loves baseball. According to his brother, he's a White Sox fan.