In Soave, Italy, the election of an American cardinal as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church has caused a wave of excitement at an international Catholic school in Rome. The new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has taken the papal name of Pope Leo XIV. This development holds particular significance for students at Marymount International School, who had the opportunity to be confirmed by Cardinal Prevost during a Mass held on May 11, 2024. Upon hearing the news of his election by the secret conclave, the students were reportedly filled with joy, according to Sarah Gallagher, the school’s head, during a phone interview on Saturday.
Marymount International School, with its American connections, traditionally invites an American cardinal to confirm its students. Last year, Cardinal Prevost, who was relatively new to his role in Rome after Pope Francis appointed him to the curia, was chosen for this responsibility. Reflecting on the dinner they shared with him afterward, Gallagher remarked that there were no obvious signs suggesting his future as pope. Describing him as a “very quiet, unassuming sort of person,” she noted that he didn’t appear to be a prominent figure in Vatican politics at the time.
As part of their preparation for confirmation, more than 30 students wrote personal letters to Cardinal Prevost, sharing their thoughts on receiving the sacrament, which is often regarded as a rite of passage into spiritual maturity. Gallagher praised the cardinal for his ability to make the experience personal and intimate for each student, while maintaining the sanctity of the sacrament. She fondly recalled the “lovely peace” and “softness, and gentleness” he brought to the occasion, qualities she believes were evident during the announcement at St. Peter’s on Thursday evening. His warm demeanor and reassuring smile seemed to set people at ease.
While Gallagher couldn’t recall if any of the students chose Leo as their confirmation name the previous year, noting that variations of Francis were popular due to Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor, she mused about how remarkable it would be if such a choice had been made.