Providence College students react to election of first American Pope

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — St. Dominic’s Chapel on the Providence College Campus was filled with students reacting to the election of the first American Pope.

Many students shared that they were “shocked” by the choice of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV.

“I don’t think anyone was expecting an American pope but it’s really cool to know the pope has watched our school play basketball, as well,” freshman Michael Infussi said.

Pope Leo hails from Chicago and graduated from Villanova University outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“We weren’t expecting it today, I think people were expecting it to go another day or two,” Infussi said. “It was really exciting.”

Students on campus gathered to watch the historic moment, with many cheering when Prevost was officially named.

“I just entered the church about a week and a half ago,” junior Katya Rau said. “We were in mass when it happened. We got to celebrate right after mass and it was beautiful.”

Two priests ABC 6 spoke with from the Diocese of Providence who were in Rome described the atmosphere as “electric,” even before a pope was elected.