First American pope celebrated by students at Modesto school. Here’s what they said
The election of the first American-born pope drew an enthusiastic reaction Thursday from Roman Catholic Church leaders and the faithful in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton posted video and pictures of Robert Prevost, a Chicago native who adopted the name Pope Leo XIV.
In a news release, the diocese said Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience after serving in Peru as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
“This is a moment of hope, unity and prayer for the church, especially during this Jubilee Year,” said the Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta, bishop of Stockton. “As faithful around the world lift up our new Holy Father in prayer, we renew our own commitment to follow Christ more closely, guided by the example and leadership of our new pope.”
The selection came earlier than expected for Catholics around the world, including students at Our Lady of Fatima School in Modesto, who will come to know Pope Leo XIV and church policies as their lives progress.
Elizabeth Shawo, a sixth-grader, said her friends told her Thursday morning that dark smoke appeared outside the Vatican, causing students to go about their daily lessons. But suddenly word spread on campus that white smoke was issued from the Sistine Chapel, signaling election of the new Catholic pope.
Students in all classrooms gathered for an assembly in the gymnasium to ring bells in celebration.
Principal Pam O’Brien said the staff collected every bell they could find to put in the hands of students. Some children had tambourines and rhythm sticks.
“They are inquisitive because they have never seen a new pope,” O’Brien said. “They are learning a lot as they go. Pope Leo XIV is 69 years old years old and he may hold the office for a long time.”
Lorenzo Bruno, a well-spoken third-grader, said he was overjoyed. “I hope he will turn people to God and make people believe in God and read the Bible and go to church,” Bruno said.
Shawo, who was not born when the late Pope Francis was chosen, said she knows Prevost is the 267th pope and the first American one. Shawo and another student, Lauren Nguyen, said they were glad he has dual citizenship in the United States and in Peru, where he has served as a missionary.
Shawo noted the new pope can speak in languages understood by English speakers and Latin Americans.
O’Brien said an American-born pope will be a role model for young people across the country. “He was favored by Pope Francis and cares about the marginalized, so I think that is going to be good,” O’Brien said.
She added that Prevost adopted the name “Leo,” the name of a previous Holy Father who did great things.
The Stockton diocese said election of a new pope is a pivotal moment for the church and reminds the faithful the church is united in mission. “The new Holy Father assumes the ministry at a time of both challenge and hope, and we are called to support him with our prayers, fidelity and joy,” the news release said.
More than 130 cardinals convened in the Sistine Chapel for the casting of ballots up to four times a day. The new pope is chosen when a consensus is reached by two-thirds of the cardinals.
The Diocese of Stockton will hold a Eucharist celebration and prayers for the pope next Wednesday (May 14) at Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton, starting at 6 p.m. The church is at 400 W. Rose St. in Stockton.
This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM.
