On May 8 the Catholic Church elected a new pope! His name is Pope Leo XIV, and he officially became the first U.S. Pope after the former Pope Francis passed away from health issues. This is a very big event for Catholics all around the world, including the ones who attend Saint Rosa of Lima Church, which is right across the street from our school.
Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, Illinois. According to Vatican News before he became pope, he spent years as a priest in Peru. He is known for being successful in the Augustinians’ efforts to recruit Peruvians for the priesthood and leadership positions in the order. He also organized support for Venezuelan refugees to Peru despite discrimination against the Venezuelans.Th ere were many other candidates in the running to be elected as the new pope. According to Wikipedia the 2025 Papal Conclave concluded in two days, with white smoke signaling a new pope was elected on Thursday, May 8. This was in line with recent history, where the last three popes were also elected in two or three days.
Many of students at school were surprised to hear the news. “I think it’s cool we have a new pope,” said senior Ian Gomez. “He seems like he really cares about people, and that’s what being Pope is all about.”
Senior Marycarmen OlveraGomez said, “I go to Saint Rosa of Lima Church, and everyone was talking about it after Mass. It feels like history is happening right across from our school!”
Senior Austin Maina said, “It’s a new change for American Catholics, since he is the first Pope from the United States.”
Senior and ROTC member Viktoria Padovich said, “Even though I am not super religious, having a new elected Pope is still huge news for many.”
The election of a new Pope doesn’t happen very often, so this is definitely something that people will remember for a long time. Pope Leo XIV said he wants to bring more peace to the world and help young people find hope.
This is big news for Catholics everywhere, especially right here in our community.
