The school's students and staff expressed shock and excitement following the recent election of the first-ever American pope.

Political figures around the world have congratulated Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, after his election on Thursday, May 8, as Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Hailing from Chicago and a dual U.

Robert Prevost has been elected the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born missionary took the name Leo XIV.

Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. Live updates: History is made with Pope Leo XIV, first-ever pontiff from US Ordained in 1982,

The newly anointed Pope Leo XIV came to the balcony clad in a white cassock topped by a red cape trimmed in ermine and draped in a gold embroidered sash. He clasped his hands in prayer and smiled as the crowds chanted his name, and “ Viva La Papa! ”

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

On day two of the conclave and after only four rounds of voting, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected and will be known as Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever North American pope.

Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood and Holy Sepulchre in Alsip, where Robert Prevost’s close relatives reside, remained peaceful Friday.