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NILES — Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost’s journey to the papacy led him through the City of Niles.

A metro Chicago native, Pope Leo XIV – the first American Pope – attended high school in Allegan County at a minor seminary run by the Augustinians. He has also celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Edwardsburg and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Niles in March 2014. 

“We pledge our prayers in support of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, in communion with him and with all who look to the Successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ, as the visible head of the pilgrim Church on earth,” said ​​Diocese of Kalamazoo Bishop Edward Lohse. “Our new Holy Father, the first American to be elected pope, is no stranger to the Diocese of Kalamazoo as he spent his high school years here in minor seminary.”

Niles resident Angie Lundberg remembers his St. Mary’s visit fondly as Leo XIV – “Father Bob” as he was often called at the time – baptized her three sons Stuart, Sawyer and Sam.

“We were overwhelmed with joy and looking back now, it’s an even more special moment and a treasured blessing,” Lundberg said. “Our whole family will cherish it for the rest of our lives.”

Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame, offered his prayers for Pope Leo XIV.

“The Notre Dame community joins with the Church worldwide in giving thanks and rejoicing in the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope,” Father Dowd said. “We celebrate his work as a tireless missionary who has never hesitated to cross borders to announce the Gospel. A leader of vision, humility and energy, he has inspired us with his compassion, generosity and love for the people of God. As he begins his pontificate, we pray that Pope Leo will always be blessed with the wisdom, courage and fortitude he will need.”