University of San Diego Celebrates Historic Election of American-Born Pope

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history.

The University of San Diego (USD) joins the global Catholic community in celebrating the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV – the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history. 

Elected on the second day of the conclave as the 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with you." In a touching moment, he appeared visibly moved by Americans in St. Peter's Square waving U.S. flags in celebration of this unprecedented milestone in Church history. 

“The University of San Diego shares in the joy and celebration at the election of Pope Leo XIV and we pray for him and the entire global Catholic community,” said USD President James T. Harris III, DEd. “As a contemporary Catholic university, we are inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s words of building bridges and reaching out to those in need – values that resonate deeply with USD’s own mission to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.”

Pope Leo XIV will now lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics and shape the future direction of the Church. Join us in offering prayers and well wishes as he begins this journey of faith and service.

— USD News Center