Several notable U.S. Catholic bishops and cardinals reflected on the spiritual journey of electing Pope Leo XIV this week. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York praised the new pope as a “citizen of the world” who aims to foster connections with President Donald Trump and other international leaders.

The six clergy members provided insights into their vision of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, highlighting that the swift conclave demonstrated unity among the cardinals. These comments were made at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops held at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on Friday.

“It should not surprise us that we view Pope Leo as a bridge builder. That’s exactly what the Latin term ‘pontiff’ signifies, he’s a bridge builder,” Dolan remarked when a reporter questioned whether the pope would serve as a “counterweight” to Trump.

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the U.S., appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters)

Let’s just say it was a good, good, good impetus to get this over with.”