US Catholics flocked to churches across the country in a celebratory mood to mark the "excitement" of the first-ever American pontiff following Thursday's election of Pope Leo, who worshippers hoped would bring back lapsed believers.

Outside Manhattan's imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rosaria Vigorito, 66, said she could "feel the excitement just in the few minutes I've been walking around."

The Miami artist said she hoped Pope Leo, a 69-year-old from Chicago who spent much of his career in Peru, would be a reformist.

"I have one issue with the Catholic Church that I'm hoping they'll correct, and that is allowing women to become priests," she said, a crucifix around her neck.

"I think Mary Magdalene was an important apostle. There was a press release issued by the Vatican years ago -- they called her the apostle to the apostles."

Crowds of faithful and journalists had gathered outside the church that first opened its doors in 1879, with hundreds of worshippers filing in to pray and light........

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