Fr. Jacob Livecchi reflects on witnessing the election of Pope Leo XIV from St. Peter’s Square
Fr. Jacob Livecchi, a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, is currently living at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was present in St. Peter’s Square when white smoke signaled the election of Pope Leo XIV. Here, he shares what it was like to be in Rome during this historic moment, his reaction to the new Holy Father, and how this experience will shape his future ministry.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What has it been like in Rome these past few days as the world awaited the election of a new pope? Is there a noticeable increase in young people who traveled originally for the canonization of Carlo Acutis?
Rome has been wild these last few days. At first, we were preparing for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, but everything changed with the news of Pope Francis’ death. The mood became very somber—especially among the many young people here for the canonization.
The funeral was a beautiful moment: the whole Church gathered in prayer for Francis. As the cardinals processed out, we knew one of them would soon be pope. Then Rome quickly shifted into speculation—who would be next? There was tension and uncertainty, but also tremendous excitement about the whole process.
I love how ancient and medieval it all is—we’re standing in the square, waiting to know if we have a pope based on the color of smoke coming from a chimney. It’s absurd, and yet beautiful. I’ve never felt more excited or nervous in my life than I have this week.
Where were you when the white smoke appeared, and what was your reaction?
I was in St. Peter’s Square. Honestly, I was in shock. I didn’t think it would happen that day—I expected it later in the week. When the white smoke rose, I didn’t know how to react. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be in the square when a pope is elected. I remember watching Benedict and Francis and thinking, I want to be there someday. When it finally happened, we all rushed closer. People were cheering, but I was still nervous. We didn’t know who it was yet—so I just started praying for him, that the Lord would give him strength.
What struck you most about hearing who the new pope is and listening to Pope Leo XIV speak to the Church for the first time?
I was shocked. As soon as I heard “Robert,” I figured it must be Prevost. Hearing that he chose the name Leo XIV was also surprising—but I love it. It points to a strong tradition in our Church.
What really struck me was the first thing he said: “The peace of the Lord be with you—the peace of the Risen Lord be with you.” That hit my heart. There’s nothing more central to our faith than the peace of the Risen Christ—a peace that comes after the cross, after death and evil have been conquered. To begin his pontificate with that message says so much about what the world needs right now.
From your vantage point in Rome, what does this moment reveal about the unity of the global Church?
It’s all about unity. That’s Peter’s role—he’s the principal source of unity in the Church.
To see the whole universal Church gathered together, waiting for our Holy Father to come out, was powerful. And for him to begin by proclaiming peace—it was a gift. I really hope he can be a source of unity for our divided world.
Have you witnessed any especially moving moments among pilgrims or locals?
What moved me most was the emotion in the square before the announcement—the tension, the nervousness, the energy. Then suddenly, “Habemus papam!” and joy just erupted.
In that moment, you really understand how important this person is—not just for one nation, but for the entire world. This is the father of the universal Church. Standing there with people from all over the globe, all united in faith, was unforgettable.
What was the response at the Pontifical North American College to the first American pope?
Excitement—and complete disbelief. I never thought we’d see an American pope in my lifetime.
It’s exciting for the future of the Church in the U.S. Having someone from our country on the Chair of Peter could do a lot of good. I’m eager to see what kind of impact that has—hopefully a revival in faith and renewed hope.
How do you think this experience will shape your priesthood?
In a big way. I’m about to begin ministry in the diocese, and starting under a new pope makes this moment even more meaningful.
If I take anything away from this experience, it’s the call to proclaim the peace of the Risen Christ. That’s what I want to center my priesthood on. And I think that’s the mission of all of us as Catholics—to proclaim the peace that only Christ can give.
–Annie Lust
Posted May 9, 2025 at 10:07 am