A Historic First: An American Pope!

I’m still getting chills from the Holy Spirit — an American Pope! 

WOW - WOW - WOW!

We’re reminded not to make too many presumptions about the conclave, the pope, or the unfolding of this papacy. Time will enlighten us.

But the excitement is undeniable. Across the country — and across faiths — Americans are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, in Chicago, Illinois.

No Need for Predictions — Just Prayers

In the hours following the election, so many suppositions and predictions have filled the air — and many have missed the mark. Even something as lighthearted as “Cubs fan or Sox fan?” shows how quickly we jump to assumptions.

Father Sammie Maletta, our pastor at St. John the Evangelist (SJE), summed it up perfectly in his homily at 5:30p.m. Mass: “I’ve been scurrying from channel to channel” trying to get real information — and “I’m very frustrated” with how many people just want to one-up each other with papal predictions.

His advice? Let’s stop speculating and start supporting. “Let’s get behind him with prayers. He now carries the burden of the whole Church…and he will need the Wisdom of Solomon. We live in a generation that has seen something we never thought we would — an American Pope! He will lead us. And we will see.”

Local Connections, National Pride

Still, there are many stories and connections to share — someone who knew someone who knew him. And those third-degree separations are creating real joy.

A few heartwarming examples:

• My in-laws owned Papa Damiani’s in Dolton, just across the street from St. Mary of the Assumption School in Riverdale, where he attended school. Did young Robert ever stop in for a slice? Uncle Louie and my husband are sure he did!

• Christy Frego Nichols, an SJE parish partner and teacher, shared that her grandmother taught him in second grade.

• One of my friend’s from high school, Maryellen Harrington, who is the Midwest Augustinian Province’s Director of Augustinian Lay Engagement, has met him several times within the last year and has at least one photo to prove it!

• The husband of another friend of mine attended St. Rita High School when he was substitute teaching there.

On more than one occasion, I have heard that Robert Prevost would tell people he met to “Call me Bob.” These little stories are making history feel personal. It seems that eventually we will all know someone who has had an experience with him.

Quick, Yet Monumental Conclave

While it felt speedy, this conclave's two-day length is comparable to recent ones. So, what makes it remarkable? It was the largest conclave in Church history, with 133 cardinals casting ballots. Despite the scale, they reached consensus quickly. And what a moment when Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with: “Peace be with you.”...“The world needs Christ’s light. Humanity needs him to be the bridge so that God and his love can reach us.”

What a powerful start — focused on Christ’s light, love, and unity.

A Meaningful Date: May 8

There’s something poetic about the date, too. May 8 is an older feast of St. Michael the Archangel, tied to his Apparition on Mount Gargano, Italy, in the 5th century.

Then, in 1886, Pope Leo XIII (yes, his predecessor Leo!) wrote the St. Michael Prayer following a mystical vision — believed to involve a spiritual battle affecting the Church. While the feast and the prayer aren’t directly related, the symbolic overlap is beautiful. Another thread in the tapestry of Church history.

Where Were You When It Happened?

Like other significant dates in history, will you remember in years to come where you were when the white smoke appeared at 11:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, May 8? I had just returned home from playing pickleball. And suddenly… history.

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?

• First American-born Pope, grew up in the Chicago South Suburbs.

• Naturalized citizen of Peru

• First member of the Order of St. Augustine to become pope

A pope with deep roots in both North and South America, he bridges between continents, cultures, and communities, according to author and blogger Father Charles Belmonte, who also reminds us that the man who stepped “out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica is not claiming a throne – but embracing a cross.” He also stressed that the Pope is "a sacrificial lamb."

Let us keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he begins this sacred mission. May his pontificate be filled with wisdom, peace, and courage. We will see what God has in store!