On May 8, Cardinal Robert F. Provost, the first North American to be elected by the conclave, became Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope.
As tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and throughout Vatican City, watch parties popped up on the campuses of Saint John’s University, The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary.
During his History of Christianity II class, Garrett S. “Faustino” Miller said that, instead of discussing history, the class witnessed history happening on screen as white smoke emerged.
“We paused and prayed,” Miller said. “We were smiling with anticipation. We watched as processions were made and crowds waved flags from their native lands.”
At SJU, a message went out announcing the white smoke’s appearance and invited all to the campus ministry office to watch as news unfolded. The crowd in the office grew as they awaited the papal announcement.
“[The atmosphere] was electric,” said Margaret Nuzzolese Conway, SJU director of campus ministry.
Faculty and staff from Saint John’s SOT gathered in an office and viewed the announcement via computer screen.
As the words “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”), excitement heightened.
Shortly after he was named, it was revealed that Prevost was Chicago-born.
“When we learned he was from the Midwest, one student said, ‘He’s probably eaten cheese curds,’” Nuzzolese Conway said.
His birthplace struck a chord with faculty at the SOT, as well.
“I am incredibly surprised by the selection of an American pope, but our God is a God of Surprises,” said Deepan Rajaratnam, director of ministerial formation. “As an American, he knows firsthand the gifts of the U.S. Church and our many shortcomings. I think this will bring many fruits but may bring a charitably strong critique of our growth areas from Rome.”
Daniella Zsupan-Jerome, assistant professor of theology and director of Sustained Encuentro, commented on the new pope’s American roots.
“It was unexpected to see an American,” she said. “As we learned more about his professional and pastoral experience my reaction turned to gratitude: here comes another pope with a global sensibility, a pope with roots in multiple places, and important for our diocese, a pope with an understanding of the Church in both urban and rural contexts, especially his Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru.”
As part of the announcements, the pope’s chosen name became known – Pope Leo XIV.
It is said that a pope chooses a name for themselves as a sign of a new beginning and often reflects a theological or historical message.
SOT faculty members provided insight and thoughts regarding his chosen name.
“His predecessor in name, Leo XIII was a pope during the industrial revolution. He had a strong legacy as a social reformer with keen attentiveness to the social and pastoral realities of his time. He was also a pope who promoted prayer and devotion in the Church, bridging the tendency in Catholic culture to be either socially active or devotionally pious,” said. Zsupan-Jerome.
Micah Kiel, associate professor of theology, added, “I think, and I sincerely hope, that his choice of Leo is intentionally to connect his ministry with the social doctrine of the church. Leo XIII was responsible for Rerum Novarum, which launched the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching. It’s hard to think he would not have had that at the front of his mind when choosing the name.”
Pope Leo XIV shared a message of peace from the balcony stating, “Peace be with all of you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock.”
As crowds roared in St. Peter’s Square, he continued, “I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, and all people, wherever they are, all of the people, all over the earth.”
This message stood out to Miller who shared, “I am hopeful that Pope Leo XIV, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will help bring the unity and peace he spoke of during his speech to the city and the world.”
Celebration continued with an event at Brother Willie’s Pub. There hundreds of students, faculty, staff, families and CSB/SJU president Brian Bruess came together.
Students chatted about Pope Leos’ Augustinian background and buzz arose regarding Pope Leo’s missionary history and what that could mean for the Church.
“I was very excited to hear that he was an American and I hope that this can lead to a revival of faith in our country,” said Andrew Withuski, SJU sophomore. I was also excited to hear that he falls in the center on major issues. I hope this can lead to more unity with a pope many people can get behind and support.”
Lexi Torres, CSB senior said, “My favorite message that he’s presented to the people is that there are many different Christians, but in Christ, we are all one.”
“I think it’s a great next chapter for us [as Catholics], I think Pope Leo will be smart in the way he moves in his next steps,” said Raphael Ignacio, SJU Sophomore.
Many alluded to the work Pope Leo will encounter, but celebration and joy dominated.
“Most days it feels we are uphill culturally as Catholics but today felt like a day of celebration for Catholics,” said Nuzzolese Conway. “It was an exciting time to be around the future of the Church—the students and the pope.”