On behalf of the Board of Governors, the formation team, and the student priests, deacons and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, we give thanks to God for the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost – Pope Leo XIV – as the 267th Roman Pontiff. Since the founding of the College in 1859 by Pope Pius IX, we have always been blessed by a close relationship with the Holy Father. Having hosted Pope Leo XIV at the College at our most recent Thanksgiving Day celebration, we look forward to welcoming him back, pledging our support, and assuring him of our friendship as the Universal Church leader and a fellow American. (fb)

Many of our seminarians were in St. Peter's Square to see the appearance of Pope Leo XIV. But at dinner shortly after, our traditional song, "Ad Multos Annos" (to many good years!), broke out spontaneously. They chant "Leone!" (Leo)! (fb)