Notre Dame High School students celebrate election of first American Pope

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Cheers and celebration filled the halls of Notre Dame High School on Wednesday as students reacted to the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.

White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled the decision, sending students rushing through corridors and crowding around Chromebook screens to witness the announcement from the Vatican.

“I think everyone’s been following it pretty closely since yesterday when the conclave started,” said senior Lillian Michael. “People had it pulled up on their Chromebooks in the lunchroom, and when they announced, the pope was going to appear, everyone crowded around. It was really cool to be united in that way here.”

Michael said she was especially excited to see the pope’s roots in the Midwest.
“He’s from Illinois, from Chicago, and that’s really close to Cape Girardeau,” she said. “It’s just really cool to see someone from here over in Rome representing the Church.”

Theology teacher Justin Keusenkothen said he was surprised by the speed of the conclave, which reached a decision in just one day.

“It only took one day. That shocked me,” he said. “But it’s an act by the Holy Spirit. God’s providence never fails—even in the ups and downs of the Church.”

Gail Timpe, who also teaches at the school, incorporated the event into her lessons. She assigned projects and kept the conclave broadcast on in the background during class.

“They got to witness it unfold,” she said. “When the white smoke appeared, kids ran through the halls to tell me. The excitement was like Taylor Swift was in the building.”

As Catholics worldwide look to Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, the faithful in Cape Girardeau say they’re watching with pride and anticipation.