The unexpected election of the first American pope is a great gift, humanizing the Petrine Office for us. As stories of those who have met the pope begin rolling in (including our seminarians studying abroad in Rome who dined with then-Cardinal Robert Prevost in the fall of 2024), we are blessed to see not only the nobility of Pope Leo XIV’s new office but also that he is a real person with experiences like our own.
Jesus exhorted Peter, the first pope, to “strengthen the brethren” at the Last Supper (Luke 22:32). Please pray for our new Holy Father to strengthen our priests and inspire many vocations of loving service to the Lord!
It was our great joy to invite the University of St. Thomas community into the excitement of these past days. The media features and mentions below showcase our men witnessing to “the joy of the Gospel” throughout campus.
Featured Stories
Breaking the News Plus | The New Pope (13:54)
KARE 11, May 8
Jana sits down with Father John Kelly from Saint John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul and a seminarian to talk all things Pope. Watch.
University of St. Thomas students celebrate new pope with parade (1:12)
KARE 11, May 8
Students on campus organized a parade following the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. Watch.
Seminarians in St. Paul build chimney to announce new pope (3:19)
KSTP – 5 Eyewitness News, May 7
As the world watches for smoke at the Sistine Chapel, some are bringing that tradition closer to home.
Seminarians on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul have created their own chimney on top of a building to announce when the new pope is elected. Watch and read more.
Other Media Mentions
‘We have a pope!’ Elation reigns in St. Peter’s Square and beyond | The Catholic Spirit, May 21
Minnesota Seminarians Celebrate Pope Leo XIV’s Election – With Motorcade and Festive Panache | OSV News, May 12
Reflection: Pope Leo XIV and the Legacy of Catholic Social Teaching| University of St. Thomas Newsroom, May 12
Habemus Papam: St. Thomas Community Reacts to Selection of Pope Leo XIV (1:40) | University of St. Thomas Newsroom, May 9
Seminarians in St. Paul celebrate election of Pope Leo XIV | The Catholic Spirit, May 8
Minnesota faith leaders react to election of Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff (3:18)| WCCO – CBS News Minnesota, May 8
St. Thomas students gather to celebrate election of new pope | The Crest News, May 8
Minnesota Catholics react as Robert Prevost elected first pope from U.S. in history | MPR News, May 8
Saint John Vianney College Seminary builds chimney for announcement of new pope (2:53) | KARE 11, May 6