The Saint

By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor

Pope Leo XIV waves at the crowd in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election  — Photo by Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, May 8 as many Aquinas students were finishing exams and packing up to go home. The decision came as a surprise after only two days of deliberation in conclave.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, took on the papal name Leo, seemingly to pay homage to the likes of Pope Leo the Great who was famous for dissuading Attila the Hun from attacking Rome and Pope Leo XII who was well known for his commitment to workers’ rights during the First Industrial Revolution. 

“I think the reference point might be Leo XIII, pope from 1878–1903, so 25 years,” Father Bob Keller, O.P. said. 

Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum, an open letter passed to Catholic ordained ministers and patriarchs that addressed the condition of the working classes. This foundational document gave rise to a broader body of papal writings now known collectively as Catholic Social Teaching.

“It is an important ethical voice in the world, yet one not often obeyed or taken seriously enough,” Fr. Bob said. “The more recent popes have added many social encyclicals to this corpus, so I hope that Leo XIV adds his voice.”

The populace watches with anticipation to see how Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will take shape. In his first Sunday address at the Vatican, he called for peace and an end to global conflict. He expressed deep sorrow over the violence in Gaza, Ukraine and South Asia and shared his hope for “authentic and lasting peace.”

Pope Leo XIV speaking at the Vatican — Photo by Vatican Media

The pope’s actions themselves weren’t particularly surprising. What truly shocked many students and leaders in the chapel was the fact that the new head of the Catholic Church is from the United States, a Chicagoan in fact, a trait that initially made the former cardinal seem like an unlikely choice, given that no pope has ever come from the United States and there has traditionally been resistance to such a possibility. Nevertheless, the new pope has a broad cultural background. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French and English, and can read Latin and German. His heritage embodies the American melting pot, with roots in Italy, France, Haiti and Creole culture.

“Having someone from the same region of the same country as I am from become pope is a really cool reminder that the Catholic church is truly the universal church,” freshman Trista Cridler said. “I think he seems like the perfect person to have been chosen for the seat of St. Peter right now.”

St. Peter’s Square was full of people waving the flags of many different countries when the white smoke signified the decision had been made. The moment was one to remember as some people shouted with joy and others came streaming down side streets to see the new pope. 

“I can say that I was completely shocked at the news of the first pope from the United States of America, although Francis was technically the first American pope,” Director of Campus Ministry Michael Ingram said. “Even as conclave began I didn’t really pay too much attention to the Cardinals from the U.S. because I never thought I’d live to see the day. I can officially say now that I’ve lived to see four popes and three conclaves. While I can still remember exactly where I was in 2005 and 2013 when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, I can honestly say this is the first conclave I have really paid attention to. I am excited to continue to learn more about the life and history of the new pope and to watch and see what shape his papacy takes.”

In comparison to his predecessor, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV seems to be more judicious with his words but with similar views. “The choice of Robert Cardinal Prevost seems to imply a calm endorsement of Pope Francis, with an eye to a person who is more measured in his public approach,” Fr. Bob said. “Pope Francis often shot from the hip. His comments did not mean he would make rules accordingly, but being too loose about comments leaves much ambiguity. Pope Leo XIV is a canon lawyer by training; he will want to be more attentive to details and descriptions. I think this is good.”

Catholics worldwide are watching closely to see what Pope Leo XIV will accomplish, but one thing is certain: he has already made a strong impression with a swift conclave, his American heritage and a message of peace.