Some conservatives and traditionalist Catholics are cautiously optimistic over the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, hopeful he will return doctrinal rigor to the papacy, even as progressives sense he will continue Pope Francis’ reformist agenda.

Eighteen days after Pope Francis last appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday, the world cheered as his successor -- the 267th pope -- emerged on the same balcony on Thursday.

Robert Prevost, who was promoted by Francis and has a knack for management and a zeal for missionary work, was a stronger candidate than many outside the Vatican knew.