Habemus Papam

“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

Matthew 16:18

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope. Last Thursday, as white smoke began billowing from the smokestack above St. Peter’s Basilica, we made the announcement for all teachers to project the live feed so our students could watch history unfold. Each classroom had adopted a Cardinal Elector for whom to pray throughout the Conclave, and they now eagerly awaited the name to be announced. Even our Grade 8 students, who were on the bus on their way to their Disneyland trip watched the livestream of the white smoke and Papal pronouncement and the whole bus cheered in excitement. The Cardinals, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, selected Robert Francis Prevost, a North American Cardinal, to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Since North and South America boast the largest share of the global Catholic population (47.8%), perhaps Pope Leo’s elevation is not surprising. Although he was born in the United States, he spent much of his lifetime as a missionary in Peru, and obtained dual citizenship in 2015.

Our students and staff are thrilled about our new Pope. I chatted with several North Campus boys at recess and asked them their thoughts. They said “it was really cool when the white smoke came out,” and they especially liked that he chose the name Leo. Two South Campus girls said they were very excited when they heard the news. They admitted they don’t know too much about him yet, but from what they have seen, they said he seems really nice and they think he will be a really good Pope. One of our teachers was very surprised that an American was selected, given the large influence the United States has on the global stage. The teacher was fond of Pope Francis’ warmth and simplicity, and hopes Pope Leo will be just as approachable.

Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed on Sunday, May 18, in St. Peter’s Square. On Monday, May 19, our students and staff will gather on the North Campus blacktop for Morning Assembly, at which time we will hold a special celebration for our new Pope. Students will learn about our Holy Father’s background, and we will offer up special prayers as he begins his pontificate. We hope our students will find inspiration and a deeper connection to our new Pope, and that their faith will be emboldened.

In Mission, Kathy