Tulsa Catholics celebrate as Leo XIV is elected first American pope

Catholics in Tulsa gathered to watch as Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV.

A crowd of adults and children gathered at Holy Family Cathedral to celebrate and listen to the new leader of the Catholic church speak for the first time.

Newly elected Pope once served at Oklahoma Catholic School

Cascia Hall Preparatory School also released a statement celebrating the announcement.

"With great joy and heartfelt celebration, we offer our warmest congratulations to Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Universal Church!

This historic moment fills our hearts with hope and gratitude. As a Catholic Augustinian school within the Midwest province, we celebrate this historic moment with deep pride and gratitude. Pope Leo, a fellow Augustinian, carries with him the wisdom and spirit of St. Augustine, and we are filled with joy knowing that the Holy Spirit has called him to this sacred mission. Our entire school community joins the global Church in lifting our voices in thanksgiving and prayer for our new Holy Father.

We celebrate this moment not only as members of the Catholic Church, but as followers of St. Augustine, whose spirit of wisdom, humility, and love continues to guide us. In the spirit of Augustinian values — unity, love, and the pursuit of truth — we pray that Pope Leo's leadership may strengthen our commitment to Christ and deepen our journey of faith. May his example inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and boldly live out the Gospel through service and love.

Let this be a time of renewed faith, joyful celebration, and hopeful anticipation. With hearts full of praise, we rejoice in God’s providence and pray for many blessings upon Pope Leo and the entire Church."