Following are reactions from notable figures to the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday. He was a surprise choice, and took the name Leo XIV to become the first U.

We have a Pope],” said French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti as he introduced the man who will take over from the beloved Pope Francis, who died on April 21. “He will take the name Leo the 14th” Mamberti said in Latin to rapturous cheers from crowds that had been gathering in St.