Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, descends from Creole and free people of color in Louisiana, highlighting complex issues to race and class in American history.

The school's students and staff expressed shock and excitement following the recent election of the first-ever American pope.

Speaking to EWTN News Nightly anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, Rooney — also a former U.S. representative — said that Leo will be a “fantastic Pope” because he “can communicate with people in a very clear but nonthreatening way.”

"I hope to be able to respond to [the challenges] with a healthy dialogue," said Cardinal Robert Prevost in 2023.

The new pontiff spoke to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, who was part of a news conference for some 6,000 journalists from around the world.

A plume of white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a new pope has been selected following Francis’ death.

Meanwhile, welcome to the real pope, Leo XIV. I’m hoping he puts our toxic mini-me pope’s feet to the fire. And reminds a world still coming to grips with Donald Trump 2.0, that the United States also turns out guys named Robert Francis Prevost, the 267th Vicar of Christ. He has his work cut out for him.

The contrast between President Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark, politically, personally, or in their world views.