Catholics celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — People attending mass in New Orleans say they were filled with joy the moment Pope Leo XIV walked onto the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Some went on to express that he was the correct pick to lead the Catholic Church.

“It’s just a beautiful time to be Catholic,” said Cyndi Lucky.

Friday, May 9, New Orleans Catholics joined Archbishop Gregory Aymond at St. Louis Cathedral to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV.

“I think it’s important as a Catholic to just continue to celebrate the things that we do in our tradition and in our culture,” said Renee Brod.

Aymond spoke to parishioners about Leo’s message on peace in the world, saying it’s needed locally as well.

“That we can work towards peace, and also peace in our hearts. You know, and sometimes peace in our families that we may not have. So it gives us an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the peace that Jesus really wants. And he alone can help us to do,” said Aymond.

The Archbishop is also optimistic that the new pope can help those who may be struggling with their faith to find some sort of healing.

“Perhaps those who have been hurt by the church or those who are away from the church, that it’s an invitation for them to come back. And I would hope that they would hear that and be a part of our community,” said Aymond.

Many left the mass with high hopes for what the new pope would bring.

“It’s a very emotional time to be Catholic or to be Christian, even, you know, especially in America, with with Pope Leo being from here and having roots even in Orleans. And we’re just visiting here this weekend, and we ended up being here for this mass with Archbishop Aymond. So we’re very blessed,” said Lucky.

“Super momentous, not only because we have a pope from America, from Chicago, who’s also a huge world traveler, very well-educated. It’s going to be good for the whole world and all the workings,” said Brod.

Others say they hope to one day see the pope return to New Orleans after learning of his ties to the city.

“That would be amazing, just like our holy father Saint John Paul the second did all those years back. It would be amazing to have our visit from our new pontiff,” said Gregory Ridgeway.

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