ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Catholics across Southern Maryland reacted with a mix of joy, reflection and anticipation following news that Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the next pope, taking the name Leo XIV. The election followed a conclave convened after the death of Pope Francis, marking a historic time for the Catholic Church.
Among those reflecting on the election of Pope Leo XIV was the Rev. David Beaubien, pastor at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown. Beaubien shared a personal and community-rooted reaction to the historic moment.
“I am elated with the choice of an American pope,” said Beaubien. “Personally, he’s from my ancestral hometown, Chicago, and was ordained a deacon near where my family lived when I was born, Detroit. Those I have spoken with in the parish are likewise happy about the choice.”
Prevost, 68, becomes the first U.S.-born pope in the church’s history. His election also signals a potential continuation in the church’s direction led by the late Pope Francis, given his background and similar stances on social issues.
Pope Leo XIV’s American upbringing is seen by some in Southern Maryland as a bridge between the Vatican and everyday Catholics in the U.S. For members of long-established parishes in St. Mary’s County, that shared cultural background may offer a renewed sense of accessibility and connection to church leadership.
“I think people will be more open-minded to listen to what he has to say,” said Peter Worrell, a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Lexington Park. “He grew up playing baseball in Chicago, so I think he’s still got a lot of America left in him.”
The conclave, consisting of cardinals from around the world, deliberated for less than 24 hours before electing a new pope. Prevost’s prior role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops gave him significant influence within the Vatican, globally overseeing the appointment of bishops. His longstanding connection to Latin America, particularly Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop, likely also played a critical role in his election.
In his initial address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV spoke to thousands of people gathered at St. Peter’s Square, first in Italian and then in Spanish, emphasizing themes of peace and a continued focus on synodality within the church.
“To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a church of the synod,” said Pope Leo XIV. “A church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close, especially to those who suffer.”
Prevost’s background as a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) and his experience in Latin America are expected to influence his papacy. His reputation supporting the poor and his advocacy for environmental stewardship also align with many of the themes emphasized by Pope Francis’ papacy.
“I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: ‘With you I am a Christian and for you I am a bishop,’” said Leo XIV. “In this sense, we can all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us.”
For some local Catholics, Pope Leo XIV’s background in Latin America and his formation in the Augustinian order signal a pastoral approach deepened through lived experience and connection to everyday parish life.
Luis Silvas, another parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflected on how that might shape the pope’s leadership and grounded influence on everyday people.
“I personally feel that his work as a pastor gives him that relativity,” said Silvas. “He’s able to relate with other priests, with parishioners, with the people who make the church what it is. He’s not just an administrator, but someone that was in the nitty-gritty — as a missionary, as a pastor, as someone that did the work.”
The election of an American pope brings unique perspectives to the leadership of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV’s experience within the Vatican and his global experience are anticipated to shape his decisions.
In St. Mary’s County, Catholic roots stretch back centuries, and many see the election of Pope Leo XIV as an opportunity to amplify their faith and reengage communities. Beaubien said the moment arrives at a time when spiritual reconnection is needed.
“To use the theme of this Jubilee Year, I think there is a widespread sense of hope for the future of the Catholic faith,” said Beaubien. “With that hope, I would look forward to a recovery of a commitment of many to practicing their Catholic faith, which fell off due to COVID-19 restrictions and an increasing barrage of worldly distractions.”
The world now watches Pope Leo XIV’s first major pronouncements and actions, which will offer clearer indications of the direction he intends to take the Catholic Church.
“Let us pray together for this new mission,” said Leo XIV. “For the whole church, for peace in the world, let us also ask Mary, our mother, for this special grace — Hail Mary.”
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