Last Updated 4 days by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
Hoosiers celebrate historic election of first American Pope
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Cheers on Thursday erupted across the Midwest after the historic announcement of the first U.S.-born pope, a native of Chicago who once stood among the crowd during Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit to the Windy City.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a former Chicago priest, was elected to the papacy, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The news sent shockwaves of joy across Catholic communities — and beyond — from Illinois to Indiana.
“It’s great, you know!” said Hernesto Vermudenz, smiling as he recalled the pope’s midwestern roots.
Indianapolis is home to roughly 84,000 Catholics. People in Indiana schools, churches and homes watched the white smoke rise above the Vatican and signaling the new era.
At Lumen Christi Catholic School in Indianapolis, children interrupted their lessons to crowd around TVs and watch history unfold. “I was so happy,” said second grader Gianna Alumbaugh.
Gianna’s sister, Iris, a first grader, said, “I think he will help make the world a better place.”
Eighth grader Mary Engelman also sensed the moment’s importance. “I think he’ll teach a lot of people to follow God.”
Caris Roller, a kindergarten teacher at the school, said her students had just studied Pope Leo XIII, which made the election of Pope Leo XIV all the more poignant. “The first American pope in history; I’m just going to keep praying for him every day.”
Prevost’s election also resonated with older generations who remembered his early days in Chicago. Social media quickly lit up with tributes, memes and celebratory videos, including a viral clip of the new pope walking out to the iconic Chicago Bulls theme music.
“I hope he continues Pope Francis’s mission for the people,” Vermudenz said, noting the pope’s commitment to multilingual outreach and inclusion.
The mood was especially joyful in Indiana, just three hours south of Prevost’s hometown of Dolton, Illinois. “I’m from Indiana. I love Chicago,” said Caleb Wilson. “I’m just happy we have an American pope. Very blessed for our church, I’m excited.”
Victoria Bach echoed the sentiment. “I’m just excited to see what he’s going to bring to our community and the Catholic Church.”
As the world turns its eyes toward the Vatican, many in the Midwest say they’ll continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV and watch with hope as one of their own leads the church.