In a historic moment for San Diego and the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named Pope Leo XIV, stirring a wave of excitement through St. Augustine High School, where he previously graced the campus with his presence. Fox5 San Diego reported on the jubilant reactions from the school's community, with President Ed Hearn saying, "When I saw the TV, and the first thing I saw was it's an American, and I thought, 'oh, that's great.' Then I said, 'oh my God, it's Father Prevost'… is he the pope?" The news has instilled a deeply personal pride within the San Diego institution.
The American Pope's association with the Augustinian Order has a particularly monitory significance to those from the high school that shares its charism. It's been a matter of particular excitement for St. Augustine's to quickly claim a Pope who has walked their corridors, celebrated Mass for their 90th anniversary back in the 2012-2013 school year, and, as Fox5 San Diego illustrates, exemplified a spirit of communion and hope to many on campus and beyond.
A 10News interview showed a strong disbelief at St. Augustine High School following the pope's election. Ed Hearn, who personally met Pope Leo in Lima, reflected on the encounter, "He made me feel like I belonged and that my - what I had to say was important. Whether it was or not, he made me feel that way." This sentiment echoes the larger San Diego community's astonishment and pride in having one of their own ascend to such an esteemed position.
Father Max, the chaplain at St. Augustine, got to know the new Pope personally during their time together in the seminary, and he spoke highly of his character and capabilities. "He's a tremendous guy. He's incredibly smart. He's very calm. He has a good demeanor about him," Father Max told 10News. Having lived with him for three months, Father Max is poised to keenly feel the impact of the elevation of someone he ate breakfast with, to the leader of the Catholic faith, affirming, "It's just kind of surreal that I've had breakfast with him many times. I've just already eaten my cereal next to him while reading the paper, and now he's the Holy Father."
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