The sight of white smoke watched by millions of Catholics around the world streamed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025. This past Thursday, Pope Leo XIV made his way into Catholic leadership after only a few rounds of voting.
Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Ill, to parents Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martinez. He graduated from high school at St. Mary of the Assumption and continued his education at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He earned his position as a cardinal in 2023 by the late pope, Pope Francis.
Many Texas High students are excited to see Pope Leo lead the Catholic Church and anticipate undergoing new leadership.
“I was watching the Vatican TV channel during class,” sophomore Milagros Pena said. “I was super excited that the Pope was American, but also had a background of living in different parts of the world, such as Peru.”
Many Catholic high school students believe that the pope’s background of living in America will influence his decisions in office.
“I believe that because of America’s diversity and especially Chicago’s high crime rate, he will have a better understanding of what poverty looks like,” junior Kathryn Snow said. “Because of this, I think he will have a better idea of how to take action.”
Tons of Catholics across the nation anticipate finding out what changes will be made under Pope Leo’s leadership.
“I don’t think there will be any major changes under Pope Leo’s time in office,” Freshman Edgar Hernandez said. “The Catholic Church has thousands of traditions and beliefs that have existed for many years, and there really wouldn’t be any reason to change anything that I can think of. Overall, I’m really happy with the election of the new pope and can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.”
