In a historic and unexpected turn, Catholic cardinals elected Chicago-born Robert Prevost as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, naming him Pope Leo XIV. A 69-year-old Augustinian missionary with decades of service in Peru, Pope Leo became the 267th pontiff and the first North American pope at a time of deep global unrest.
Though widely described as the first American pope, it is worth noting that Pope Francis, his predecessor, was also from the Americas, specifically Argentina. However, Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the United States, marking a symbolic shift for the global church.
In his first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a humble “Peace be with you,” emphasizing what he called a vision of “a disarmed and disarming peace.” Observers noted his decision to wear traditional papal vestments, including the red cape, in contrast to Francis’ simpler debut in 2013. Still, his choice of the name “Leo” a nod to Brother Leo, companion of St. Francis of Assisi suggests continuity with the spirit of the previous papacy.
At Dallas College, the election of Pope Leo XIV sparked thoughtful reflection among both students and faculty.
“I think it’s very cool that he is an American Pope — the first American Pope. That has never happened before,” said history professor Cody Smith. He emphasized that a new pope always draws global attention regardless of origin. “Even Non-Catholic Christians are still interested in it because it’s fellow Christians picking a leader.”
Students also weighed in with mixed emotions of surprise, hope, and curiosity. Rodrigo Colorado, an education major, reflected on the early speculation around the election.
“One of [the candidates] was either from China or Vietnam,” Colorado said. “When they chose Pope Leo, it was a surprise, as the first American ever to be elected as a new pope.”
Colorado explained how Pope Leo’s identity, rooted in both the U.S. and Peru, helps bridge continents and cultures along with the generational implications.
“The young Catholic community, I think they will reflect on the old generation and that to them will be an inspiration,” Colorado said. “I think one of his goals is to keep the same peace with everybody and not to go with anything political and involve it with the Catholic community.”
For psychology major, Fernanda Hernandez, the initial announcement prompted curiosity.
“At first I wondered why the cardinals chose Pope Leo,” Hernandez said. “Then I started reading and hearing about him and I started to understand who he is and his qualities to unite the church, bring more young Catholics together and call for peace around the world.”
Hernandez added that while expressions of faith may differ among young Catholics, “the constants are the love and devotion for Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.”
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces the challenge of uniting a global church across cultures and generations.
