JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For many students at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Jacksonville, the recent papal election marked a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the first time they watched history unfold as a new pope was chosen.
Excitement filled the classrooms as students gathered to watch the live broadcast of the white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of Pope Leo XIV — the first American ever selected to lead the Catholic Church.
“I remember we were coming down the stairs and all my classmates were jumping around and screaming, ‘We have a pope! We have a pope!’” said Giulliana Blanco, a student at the school. “It was a really fun experience to see everyone come together and be excited for the same reason.”
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Students like Lana Kilahudachek said it was a memory they’ll always hold onto.
“It was like, the first time I’ve had seen the pope getting like, chosen,” she said. “I especially like, remember when they, when the person who came out and said, ‘we have a pope!’”
The students not only witnessed history, but they also learned more about the process of selecting a new pope.
“He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955,” said Theresa Brown, another student.
“We also learned, like, you have to have two-thirds of the Cardinals vote for that one pope. So like 89 Cardinals this time,” Lana added.
They were surprised to learn how long the process can take. “We learned that, like 100 years ago, it took someone three years to decide on a pope,” said Guilliana.
The election of Pope Leo XIV was also the first time in a century that the name “Leo” had been chosen for a pope, said Lilly Baniqued.
As the interviews wrapped up, the group of students gathered to say the Lord’s Prayer in honor of the new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has left a lasting impression on the young faithful at St. Joseph’s, many of whom said this moment deepened their connection to their faith.
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