A number of prominent Texans are responding to the election of the first pope from the United States. A conclave of 133 cardinals selected Cardinal Robert Prevost on Thursday in Rome.
The new pontiff chose the papal name of Leo the 14th. US Senator Ted Cruz, along with Texas State Senators Paul Bettencourt and Cesar Blanco, posted messages on social media offering their congratulations. Messages offering prayers and congrats came from the dioceses of Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and others.