VATICAN CITY (WOAY)- It was a moment in history as the white smoke flew in the air at St. Peter’s Square Thursday afternoon as the first ever American has been selected as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Habemus papam,” said a Senior Cardinal Deacon, meaning “we have a pope.”
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has now taken on the role and new name as Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Prevost will be the 267th pope and leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The 69-year-old has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. Originally from Chicago, Prevost is the first American to hold the position.
“Peace be with you,” said Pope Leo in Italian.
Thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square to see the new pope and millions more around the world tuned in on their TVs, including students at St. Francis de Sales.
“Them [the students] watching what happens in Rome, it’s part of the unification of having a new leader for the catholic church, unites us all and gives us great hope for the future,” said Mary Grace Peck, Principal of St. Francis de Sales.
The students anxiously watched, preparing to see who the new pope would be.
“It’s really exciting to watch a new pope being elected and stuff like that,” said Addie Dale, a Student at St. Francis de Sales. “But it’s kind of sad that the old pope passed away, but I think that this pope will be a really good pope too.”
Pope Leo XIV was selected on the second day of the conclave after receiving 2/3’s vote from the 133 cardinals. Many people were surprised that an American was selected to lead the church.
“I am amazed and very surprised, but wow,” said Peck. “And it didn’t take so long. So maybe that’s another good sign that, you know, it’s a truly worthy person.”
Prevost’s election as the new pope breaks the long taboo on naming an American as the pope. However, Prevost has been called the “least American of all Americans.”
With any new pope, many wonder what the future will hold for the catholic church. Having an American pope adds even more questions. However, during his first speech as pope, he referenced his predecessor, Pope Francis, and said he wants to continue where Francis left off.
In a statement, Mark Brennan, the bishop of Wheeling and Charleston, celebrated the election of Leo XIV, saying in part.
“As Pope Leo XIV prepares to begin his role as pontiff, let us unite in prayer for him and his ministry. As catholics in America, let us pray especially for Leo XIV, that the holy spirit continue to guide him as he begins his service to the catholic church throughout the world.”
