Pope Leo XIV: Texas leaders react to American cardinal elected as new pope

DALLAS - Millions of Catholics worldwide are rejoicing over the selection of a new pope – Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke poured out of a chimney over the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon. Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis later stepped out on the balcony as Pope Leo XIV.

Here's what other leaders from North Texas and across the state had to say.

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Who is Cardinal Robert Prevost? Leo XIV is first American pope

The College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago to become the next leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. He'll take the name Pope Leo XIV.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott

"Cecilia and I congratulate the first American-born Pope, Pope Leo XIV. We join Catholics across the globe to pray for God’s guidance as Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership of the Catholic Church," wrote Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement.

Dallas Bishop Edward Burns

Dallas Bishop Edward Burns reacts to new pope

Bishop Edward Burns from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas reflects on the election of a new pope. Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago-born cardinal who served in Peru.

"It with great joy and deep gratitude to God I join my brother priests, deacons, religious, all the faithful of the diocese of Dallas, and indeed the whole world in celebrating the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV," said Bishop Edward Burns of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. "This is a moment of profound hope and renewal for the church. As our Lord has provided a new shepherd to guide us in faith, truth, and charity. What a surprise to learn that a young country like the United States of America would bring forth one of her own sons to become the shepherd of the universal church. This is a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States and throughout the world. We embrace our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with open hearts and steadfast prayers."

The bishop admitted he was surprised by the election of an American pope.

"I was pleasantly surprised. I did not anticipate that we would have a pope from the United States. And so I think that there are a number of other people that share my surprise," he said.

He doesn't know Pope Leo personally but hopes to meeting him during an upcoming trip to Rome.

"Even though I worked at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, he was busy in Latin America. And so our paths never crossed. I am planning to go to Rome at the end of July, the beginning of August for the Jubilee Year of Hope. And it's going to be the time of the Jubilee for Youth and Young Adults. And I plan to be in Rome, so we'll see if our paths cross then," Burns said.

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson

"Please join with me praying for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV! I am overwhelmed and overjoyed by his election! He is also a native Chicagoan!" Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson said on social media.

Former President George W. Bush

"Laura and I are delighted to congratulate former Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election to the papacy. This an historic and hopeful moment for Catholics in America and for the faithful around the world. We join those praying for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to lead the Catholic church, serve the neediest, and share God's love," former President George W. Bush said in a statement.