Basilica Parishioners react after election of Pope Leo XIV

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –Local Catholics gathered Sunday at the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary for Sunday mass. WWAY attended for reflection on the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native and member of the Augustinian religious order, was elected Thursday by the College of Cardinals. He succeeds Pope Francis, who served from 2013 to 2025. Prevost has taken the name Pope Leo the Fourteenth.

The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary, a minor basilica located in downtown Wilmington and part of the Diocese of Raleigh, held its regular 11 a.m. Mass Sunday. Very Reverend Father Thomas Davis, who leads the service, said the new pope appears to have similarities to his predecessor.

“I think this pope really has a sense of the pastoral side like Francis did,” Davis said.
“Francis had the gift of touching the normal people and I think from what I’ve heard about Pope Leo he’s going to do the same.”

Marie-Ange Tribie, who is originally from Haiti, has lived in Wilmington for over 60 years, said the news felt historic.

“I was excited, elated, let’s put it that way because this is the first time we have one,” she said. “I know everybody is excited.”
“It’s not easy to say he is going to do this or that because he is not by himself.”

Other parishioners shared a sense of hope and unity.

“It’s very exciting and I am happy for the American people and for Catholics as a whole that we have an American pope,” said Tracie Sknar.
“I hope he focuses a lot on bringing people together and uniting people instead of all the division that we have.”

Deborah Meehan said she was encouraged by Pope Leo’s background and what she hopes will continue in his leadership.

“That he continues to advocate and pray for peace — that’s what we want,” Meehan said.
“And also all his missionary work in Peru — it’s gonna be great.”
“Well, this is the first time in my life my husband and I are both older than the pope!” she added, laughing.

According to the Associated Press, Pope Leo will meet formally with cardinals on Saturday. He is expected to deliver his first noon blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday. His formal installation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.