Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, descends from Creole and free people of color in Louisiana, highlighting complex issues to race and class in American history.

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

"I hope to be able to respond to [the challenges] with a healthy dialogue," said Cardinal Robert Prevost in 2023.

On "This Week," Cardinal Cupich said Pope Leo XIV may call for changes to the United States immigration system.

Speaking to EWTN News Nightly anchor Catherine Hadro on Monday, Rooney — also a former U.S. representative — said that Leo will be a “fantastic Pope” because he “can communicate with people in a very clear but nonthreatening way.”

At a meeting Pope Leo held with international journalists, NBC News’ Lester Holt spent time speaking one-on-one with the Pontiff. They discussed the significance of the Pope being American and if he plans to return to the United States any time soon.

Louis Marius Prevost, the father of Pope Leo XIV, served on a D-Day landing ship during World War II and later became a junior lieutenant for the United States Navy.