Local priests are reacting to the selection of Robert Prevost as the first pope from the United States.

Father Matt Duclos, pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar and St. Lucy St. Bernadette in Altamont, said he was surprised had how quickly Prevost was elected. He has chosen the name Leo XIV.

“I was watching the YouTube stream with the whole world, with our whole church, and our staff members just started clapping. So this is a moment of real excitement. We’ve been in this period of mourning for several days, mourning the death of Pope Francis. And this is something that we have been waiting for and anticipating. So it’s a really joyful day.”

Hear more of his conversation by watching the video.