Pope Leo XIV has several ties to San Diego
Pope Leo XIV, an American and member of the Augustinian Order, was announced as the new leader of the Catholic Church, bringing excitement to Catholics around the world and in particular to St. Augustine High School in San Diego.
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
(FOX 5/KUSI) — Pope Leo XIV, an American and member of the Augustinian Order, was announced as the new leader of the Catholic Church, bringing excitement to Catholics around the world, and in particular to St. Augustine High School in San Diego.
The announcement of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV was met with cheers from the crowd at St. Peter’s Square and elation from those connected to him back in San Diego.
"When I saw the TV, and the first thing I saw was it’s an American, and I thought, 'oh, that's great,'" said Ed Hearn, president of St. Augustine High School. "Then I said, 'oh my God, it’s Father Prevost'... is he the pope?"
Pope Leo, who has visited St. Augustine High School on numerous occasions, is celebrated by the school community for his connection to the Augustinian Order.
Pictures from his visit show him celebrating Mass on campus for the school's 90th anniversary during the 2012-2013 school year.
Father Max, who lived with Pope Leo for three months during seminary school in Chicago, recalls him as a leader who listens to all corners of the church and brings people together.
"The biggest things he believes in are the White Sox, he’s a big White Sox fan," Father Max noted, laughing.
Hearn expressed hope that Pope Leo will inspire connection and global hope, especially in the United States.
"I think it will resonate deeply to have a Pope that will help us with our own unity and issues in our own country," he said.
All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff.
