After a secluded and two-day conclave, the Catholic Church has officially elected a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, became the 267th pontiff and made history as the first pope of American nationality.

The election followed the death of Pope Francis in late April, which prompted 133 cardinals to gather in Rome. Following tradition, the cardinals cast up to four ballots per day within the Vatican until one nominee receives a two-thirds majority vote.

Once the traditional white smoke signaled, the message was clear: They have a pope. May 8, he emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address the world, giving his remarks to a crowd adorned in papal vestments. In his multilingual address, Pope Leo paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and vowed to continue his legacy.

“We must have a Church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open—like this very piazza—welcoming,” he told the crowd.

He also delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which translates to “to the city and to the world,” and made a call for peace. Pope Leo XIV had previously been brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis, indicating a mutual respect between the two. 

The choice of the name “Leo” is significant. It is a direct reference to Pope Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 until he died in 1903 and was known for his social justice efforts during the Industrial Revolution. While new popes are not required to change their names, the tradition has been followed for over 400 years.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. He served as a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, and spent most of his career in South America, where he directed seminaries and held various leadership roles within the Archdiocese. 

The appointment of an American pope is already sparking global conversations among Catholics, theologians, and even on campus at Seattle University. 

Chancellor and former University President of Seattle U,  Fr. Stephen V. Sundborg, weighed in on the new pope and shared his reaction when he first heard the news. 

“I was completely surprised, I never thought in my lifetime that I would see an American chosen as the pope,” Sundborg said. 

Sundborg mentioned how Pope Leo’s nature and interpersonal skills make him stand out and that he has a lot to offer the administration. More importantly, his vows to be a continuation of his predecessor helped him distinguish himself. 

With the new pontiff being considerably younger, Sundborg mentioned how he would be able to reach a lot of people with his influence. His predecessor, Pope Francis was nearly 80 when he took the papacy in 2013.

“He’s a unifier. He’s going to have a broad appeal, he’s going to have a wide appeal. They choose a person they like because of his personality and his depth. I think that will range to a wide range of people, whether they’re middle-aged, older or younger,” Sundborg said.

Furthermore, Sundborg discussed Pope Leo’s background, noting how his work with the Augustinian order has equipped him with the skill set to reach a more diverse and inclusive audience. 

“I think younger people will come to like him, he’s a warm person, he’s a kindly person, he’s the kind of person that grows on people,” Sundborg said. “He’s more reserved than Francis. Francis was a Jesuit and more out there, that fitted with Jesuit charism, and Leo is quieter”

Another person who is excited about the new appointment is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Assistant Clinical Professor Brian Taberski. He is eager to see how the social relations between American Catholics and Roman Catholics are redefined or changed.

“I think it’s exciting. Catholicism has an interesting history in the United States. So often Americans didn’t consider Catholics American enough, and Catholics in the broader Catholic Church thought Catholics in the broader Catholic Church were too American,” Taberski said. 

When asked about the implications that the new pope’s nationality may have on Catholic traditions and practices, Taberski alluded to how the pope’s nationality shadows his global identity.

“In some respect, Leo’s election shows that time has passed, the Italian newspapers said that Pope Leo was the least American-American in the conclave.”

He continued to talk about how Pope Leo’s international influence is just as important as his American influence. 

“America is a provincial kind of place, people think they’re well-traveled because they went from Seattle to Spokane. Having someone who lived in Peru, someone who lived in Rome, someone who traveled the world in his responsibilities and is head of the Augustinian order. Then his overview of the world churches as the dicastery of bishops. Yes, he’s from Chicago but his references aren’t all Chicago, they are from all over the world.”

Another person who is eager to watch the new administration take flight is Yancy Dominick, a teaching professor of philosophy. Dominick is eager to see the American Catholic identity be redefined under the papacy. Dominick is anticipating a more inclusive following and a continuation of welcoming others from different backgrounds. 

“I have often heard that American Catholicism tends to get interpreted through the right/left or the MAGA [Make America Great Again] stuff now, but that does not speak to the rest of the global church. Most of the world’s Catholics are not American, and global politics are not American politics. If this new pope can invite American Catholics to recognizing these complexities and diversities and break out of this right/left tailspin or whatever it is. That would be good,” Dominick said.

When asked if he thinks that the new pope can influence a younger audience, Dominick responded;

“He’s a young pope because he’s only 69 or whatever. It will be interesting a lot of it has to do with what happens at a lower level. I feel like a pope can only do so much.”

Dominick admitted that at first, he was very surprised and worried about the type of American Catholic that would be representing the church, but after some research, his concerns were conciliated. 

“His choice of a name was reassuring, his first message talking about peace made me feel better. I was worried about a traditional Catholic which does not look like that’s what this is.” 

Dominick, similar to Taberski, addressed the massive focus on Pope Leo’s American background.

“It’s been funny to see how Chicago has so confidently claimed him. I’ve seen a lot of memes about how ketchup on a hot dog is now a sin,” Dominick said. 

Taberski concluded that the new appointment comes at a time when a strong religious influence is not only needed but required for the greater good of society. 

“An American comes into the papacy at a time where authoritarianism is on the rise and people have concerns about what’s happening in the United States. I want to be clear that I am not saying Pope Leo is a statement about that, I think it’s about people seeing something happening in the world who need somebody who can begin to explain it in a way people understand. It’s not a political statement but it’s a prophetic statement.” 

As Pope Leo continues to settle into his new role in the Vatican, the community at Seattle U watches along with the rest of the world.