This is the first time in history when Catholics across the United States do so when they attend Sunday’s service this weekend, while the American pope sits in the Vatican.

On Thursday, Cardinal College chose Chicago-born Robert Prevost to lead a church of about 1.4 billion believers around the world. He was named after Pope Leo.

Some American Catholics are proud of elections that have family relations with multiple places across the country.

On Sunday, New Orleans resident Meaghan Gibson said Pope Leo seemed “very down-to-earth” and she was excited about his election — even because his family members used to live in the city.

"The fact that his family is from New Orleans is amazing," Gibson, 37, told NPR member station Rosemary Westwood, said. "Hopefully he will be with us sometime during the Pope."

According to the historic New Orleans collection, Leo grandparents Joseph and Louise Martinez lived in New Orleans before moving to Chicago between 1910 and 1912. The museum and research center found that their house sat on a piece of land and later built a highway.

"So, if it wasn't built, the family might still be here," Gibson said. "It's amazing to see this happen and to know his grandparents got married on the streets of our home chapel."

Angie Spencer, who attended the service at St. Mary, of the Catholic Church in Houston on Sunday, told Lucio Vasquez of the Texas Newsroom that there was a passion for the election of the first U.S. faculty.

"I have a little grandson today," Spencer said. "Even if he's catching up with it." ”

She said she hopes Leo will continue some of the work of his former Pope Francis, such as contacting the poor and trying to unify people around the world.

Spencer, 74, smiled and said she "sees a lot of popes!" She added: "I love Pope Francis, Pope Leo will follow in his footsteps and do more."

According to Jake Wittich of Chicago Public Media, in front of billboards, people congratulate Pope Leo (a city native) on celebrating Pope Leo in his papal elections.

Chicago resident Sara Schroeder said it was a historic moment for the country and the city. "The Mass is beautiful," Schroeder said. "The pastor is very happy with Pope Leo. People cheer from Chicago and people will always applaud."

"It's like he's a hometown hero," Schroeder's daughter Caitlin Thigpen added.

On Thursday, the night mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC turned into Thanksgiving for the New Pope, according to Jackson Sinnenberg of Wamu.

"When he began to be grand, may the Global Church acquire a new pastor with joy and the passion of a new missionary," said Isaac Sagastume.