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"We were all on pins and needs when we saw the white smoke," said Fr. Michael Berndt, director of campus ministry and chaplain for the Newman Catholic Community at Eastern Illinois University.

Berndt said he was subsequently overjoyed when he learned that the new pope, Leo XIV, is Chicago-born Robert Prevost. Berndt, who is also from Chicago, said he had thought that the United State's world power status would preclude it from producing a pope, so he is pleasantly surprised to have "an American pope from our state."

Berndt, who is also pastor for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston, said he had not been familiar with Cardinal Prevost before the conclave, so he is just beginning to learn about him.

Nevertheless, Berndt said he was interested to find out that he is a member of the mission-oriented Augustinian religious order and to hear him speak Italian when he first addressed the public.

Berndt, who studied in Rome and also speaks Italian, said he was encouraged to hear Pope Leo XIV discuss the importance of going forth in the world and building bridges with other people.

"What a great message," Berndt said, adding that he hopes the new pope will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and be a unifying figure.

In addition, Berndt said he hopes that Leo XIV will visit the United States and return to his home state. Berndt said, "If he visited Chicago, the EIU community will be coming up there, believe you me."