17 days after the death of the Pope Francis, white smoke spread from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling a new Pope had been chosen and for the first time, he’s from the United States as Cardinal Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV.

“I’m surprised at how quickly they elected a new pope,” science teacher Angela Montgomery said. “I didn’t expect it to happen for a couple of days. Secondly, I am excited that he is from the United States because we’ve never had a pope from the U.S. before.”

The groundbreaking choice of the Chicago native was met by some patriotic texts from the family of one teacher. 

“When the news broke that white smoke was seen billowing out of Sistine Chapel, my family text chain blew up,” journalism teacher Brian Higgins said. “Then, as soon as it was announced the new pope was from the United States, we all went crazy texting the U.S. flag and things like that.” 

The head figure of the Catholic Church, residing in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV was elected by the Cardinal Electors in a move that has at least one Redhawks student feeling a bit more connected. 

“I’m not really a big Catholic, but knowing this pope is from the United States is very intriguing,” senior Delila Bond said. “When I saw the news, it definitely made me feel more connected to my faith, as it connects more to my culture, I guess you could say. I’m super excited for what is to come.”

The new pope is known to have similar beliefs as his predecessor, something Spanish teacher Ashli Taquino hopes will continue. 

“[The Pope is] a figure to look towards to guide the Catholic church,” Taquino said. “Hopefully someone that will follow in Pope Francis’ steps to remind us how we’re all about serving everyone and loving everyone; having a figurehead to make sure that it’s the mission of the church and that it’s being done.”