Article by Phoenix writer Natalie Lezcano ’26:
On May 8, Kellenberg Memorial High School students and faculty buzzed with excitement as the papal conclave announced the name of the new pope, Pope Leo XIV.
In the hour leading up to the announcement, a few faculty members were granted the opportunity to host a watch party, where they provided useful information on the papal candidates, and highlighted Pope Francis’ achievements and legacy. This live stream was broadcasted to all classes, which increased students’ enthusiasm and anticipation.
Junior Lucy Carey shared, “I am very excited that we have a new pope! I am looking forward to seeing in which direction he will be taking the church.”
The Pope was officially announced during period 9, relieving students and teachers of what felt like hours of suspense. To the surprise and delight of many, Pope Leo XIV was revealed to be an American, which makes him the first North American Pope in the history of the Church.
However, his nationality is not the only interesting thing about him. As Fr. Daniel Griffin S.M. stated, “I think it’s amazing to see the Pope being American, but he also belongs to the Augustinians, and he was a missionary for many years in Peru. He embodies the word ‘Catholic’, which means ‘Universal.’”
In addition to the election broadcast on ETV, “Flight of the Firebird” produced an episode “From Chicago to the Chair of St. Peter,” which featured junior Robert DeTullio as host for chaplain Fr. Thomas Cadone, S.M., and religion department chair Mr. Basile for a discussion about our new Pope. “Flight of the Firebird” is a student podcast produced in the ETV studio and moderated by Mr. Beyrouty.
On the evening he was elected, Pope Leo XIV asked the crowd in Vatican City to join him in reciting the Hail Mary, which shows his dedication to the Blessed Mother, and provides hope for the future of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis I, who shepherded the Church since 2013. You can see Kellenberg’s response to the passing of Pope Francis here.
