One year ago, on the evening of May 8, 2025, the eyes of the world turned once again toward the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as white smoke rose above the Vatican and the Church announced the election of a new Successor of Peter.

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, surprised Catholics around the world. In this video, U.S. bishops share their reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV and reflect on what his background brings to the universal Church.

The Catholic family of faith at Saint John Paul II Academy expanded April 13, 2026, with the reception of 33 students into the church during a Mass led by Bishop Emeritus Gerald M. Barbarito in the campus dining hall.

Bishop visits, AIM Ministry and School of Christian Formation