When white smoke billowed out from the Sistine Chapel chimney, cheers could be heard all around the world, including in Fairfield County. "I started jumping up and down with glee," says Sacred Heart University professor of Catholic Studies Dr. Charles Gillespie. "And I was screaming with excitement." Connecticut celebrated newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States to ever lead the Catholic church. "People from all over the world came and they agreed in one day for an American?" New Canaan's Susan Engel says. "It’s astounding.” Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago-born missionary, but experts are quick to point out his global mindset. "He's someone who is a bishop in Peru," Dr. Gillespie says. "And also had multiple leadership roles in the Vatican." Dr. Gillespie says the college of cardinals ultimately elected someone who will carry-on Pope Francis’ legacy. “I’m really excited about seeing a continuation of the legacy of the pope as a leader," Dr. Gillespie says. "Not just for this religious community of 1.4 billion Catholics, but truly a leader and a moral voice for the world." Msgr. Robert Kinnally, of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, says its a monumental day in history. "Before the new pope got elected, we felt a little bit like sheep without a shepard," Msgr. Kinnally says. "This is a really exciting day for us."