On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, it was another ordinary day for students at Mayfield Senior School. But, the excitement of deciding a new pope was lingering in the air. Live broadcasting of the Sistine Chapel was shown on every television on campus while the Conclave was taking place. Around 10:30 in the morning, teachers ran into classrooms to announce the white smoke had been ignited, signaling the decision of a new pope. Students and teachers panicked as they feared they would miss the new pope, but lucky for them, they were sent to Pike Auditorium. As everyone held hands and anticipated who would now have the authority of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XVI (Robert Franics Prevost) waved on the Vatican Balcony.
Cheers erupted in Pike Audirtorium as history unfolded in real time–a powerful, unforgettable experience shared by the entire Mayfield Community. But, everyone was wondering who our new Pope really was. AP News says that “Pope Leo is our first American Pope” and is “known as a leader with global experience.” He was born in Chicago on September 14th, 1955 to Mildred Martinez and Louis Marius Prevost. Along with being of Haitian, Creole, and Spanish descent, Pope Leo is also considered Peruvian. According to the New York Times, he served as a Bishop of Chicago for several years and acquired a Peruvian citizenship in 2015. Many Peruvians see him as their own and fondly remember his work for marginalized communities.
The Washington Post says that “Leo was a star student in high school.” He attended St. Augustine Seminary High School, and was an active member of student council, academic honor society, local student congress, and chief of his yearbook. Surprisingly, he always wanted to be a priest from a young age and he told Chicago News that “while other boys would play with bows and arrows, I wanted to be a priest.” He studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1977. He maintained a connection with the only Augustinian Catholic University, earning an honorary degree from the institution and briefly serving on the Board of Trustees.
Pope Leo was ordained a priest on June 19th, 1982 in Rome by Archbishop Jean Jadot. 42 years and 4 months later, he became the Pope. According to The Atlantic, Pope Leo XIV chose his name to “honor Pope XII who was known for his commitment to social issues and workers rights.” The name Leo also evokes a sense of strength and courage, deriving from the Latin word “lion.” On May 10th, Pope Leo told Cardinals that he will “continue the precious legacy of Pope Francis.” His remarks reassured many that the progressive spirit of his predecessor would not only be preserved, but potentially expanded upon.
As the world looks to this new chapter in the Church’s story, Pope Leo XVI’s words and actions already suggest a leader deeply rooted in history, but unafraid to face the future. For the students and faculty and Mayfield Senior, witnessing the rise of the new Pope was a memorable experience. At that moment, Pike Auditorium became more than just an assembly space; it became a sanctuary of hope because for one morning faith, tradition, and the future converged on a high school campus in a way no one would ever forget.
