09-05-2025
SCSU students optimistic over new American pope
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands were at the Vatican on Thursday to witness the election of a new pope.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago elected to be the 267th pope and he chose the name Leo. This makes him the first American to become the pontiff.
Connecticut church leaders, lawmakers react to election of new pope
Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica Thursday, while delivering his first blessing. He emphasized peace several time and says he wants to pick up where the late Pope Francis left off.
Catholics from around Connecticut also reacting to the new American pope.
On the Southern Connecticut State University campus at the Interfaith Center students were very excited, very joyful very happy at the new pope, but surprised by a new American pope.
'The symbolism of Catholic globally, coming together in the Cardinals, choosing an American pope, was not lost on us,' SCSU Newman Society vice president Jack Abbot said.
Students with the Newman Society at SCSU are celebrating the new American Pope, and the hope that he brings to the future of America.
'America needs unity right now, and I hope that it will unify us with other countries,' said SCSU Newman Society president Sydney Crockett.
'I think the American pope is nice, especially with a more controversial election of our current president and the stirring pot that can be American politics,' added SCSU Newman Society secretary Pierce Kozlowski.
Father Anthony Federico is from the Hartford Archdiocese, and he talked to News8 from Rome just after returning from the Vatican.
'I'm hearing all of these different languages and seeing the flags and banners from all over the world, a very festive atmosphere, jubilant,' Federico said.
He booked a trip to the Vatican months ago and was only in Italy for two days, but was there when they named a new pope.
'There was nothing like the surge of excitement that rolled through Saint Peter's Square when the white smoke came out, there was just like this exuberant exaltation of so many people, Federico said.
In Hartford there were flowers and bunting at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph as parishioners came in for a celebratory mass.
'My hope is that he will show to the world a side of America that is merciful, charitable, and generous and peaceful,' Archbishop Christopher Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford said.
As students continue celebrate a new American pope, they're going to remember next year as they reconvene at school, and move forward, keeping his mission in mind.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
