Students Cheer as Pope Leo XIV is Announced

After white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, the crowd at the Vatican cheered wildly in anticipation of the announcement of the new pope.

At St. Joe's, that energy was matched as students gathered in the school's JPII Center and waited enthusiastically for the moment to arrive. The energy level grew as more and more students filed in to the JPII, as they watched, pointed, waited and cheered.

A couple of times the students were instructed to sit quietly and listen, but it was difficult to subdue their enthusiasm (click HERE).

Eventually the announcement was made: American Cardinal Robert Prevost -- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.

At that, the students roared! Chants filled the room: "USA! USA! USA!"

Indeed, it was an unforgettable day for all!

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