Today marks a momentous day in the life of the Catholic Church. We rejoice with the global Catholic community as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV is not only the first American pontiff, but also the first member of the Augustinian order to serve as the Vicar of Christ. Born in Chicago in 1955, he brings with him a heart for missionary work—especially in Peru.
His first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica echoed with hope and humility: “Peace be with all of you.” In the spirit of St. Thomas Aquinas, who taught that “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary,” we welcome this new chapter of grace, unity, and renewal.
At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, we strive each day to cultivate a Christ-centered environment, one rooted in Truth, Faith, Love, and Friendship. We pray that Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will be a beacon of these same virtues—and we invite our One Trojan Family to lift him up in prayer as he begins his service to the world.