On May 8, 2025, èapp students, faculty and staff gathered in the Father Joseph O. Schell, SJ, Conference Room in Campus Ministry to celebrate the historic announcement of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first pope from the United States.
The selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost—born in Chicago, Illinois—who chose the name Leo XIV, marks a sacred moment not only for Catholics, but for all people of goodwill. His election signals a renewed call to serve God’s people with compassion, wisdom, and justice.
Among those watching live was Father Thomas J. Pipp, S.J., Superior of the Jesuit Community and Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at èapp, who was moved by the fact that Leo XIV’s first message was one of peace. “He seems like a wonderful man,” Father Pipp said. “And his first message was a wish for peace in the world.”
Dr. Edward Hahnenberg, Breen Chair in Catholic Theology at èapp, who was in attendance, found great symbolism in the new Pope’s decision to adopt the name Leo.
“I appreciate how he spoke of peace and took the name Leo – a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who launched modern Catholic Social Teaching,” Hahnenberg said. “During his remarks he stressed unity and a commitment to synodality, affirming Pope Francis’ desire for more collaborative forms of decision making in the church.”
As a powerful symbol of his message, Leo XIV opened his arms wide—almost as if offering an embrace—while addressing more than 10,000 supporters gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions more around the world.
“We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges (and) dialogue, always open to receive (people), like this square, with open arms - everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love,” said Leo XIV.
The selection of Pope Leo XIV was the result of a two-day voting process known as the conclave and came as a surprise to many Church experts, who had anticipated the election of other high-ranking clergy from around the world.
Dr. Paul Murphy, Professor of History and Director of the Institute of Catholic Studies at èapp, was among those surprised at the selection but expressed excitement about Leo XIV’s long history with supporting those in need.
“It is extraordinary that the cardinal electors elevated an American to the position of pope,” Murphy said. “He is a very impressive selection, speaks four languages, has lived and worked in three different continents, and is known particularly for his outreach to those most vulnerable which speaks to a continuity of the values Pope Francis promoted throughout his life.”
In celebration of Leo XIV’s selection as the 267th pope, èapp will host a Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday afternoon, May 9, at 12:05 P.M. in St. Francis Chapel. Here, members of the campus community will gather to give thanks for the new Holy Father and pray for his ministry. All are welcome to attend and take part in this joyful and historic occasion.
“I invite and encourage everyone to attend,” said Father Pipp. “The message will be one of inclusion and welcome – a reminder that the Church is a home for all.”