While the new Pope's American and Peruvian citizenry, as well as being the first Augustinian friar to be made Pope, was of interest to young Catholics, most are looking beyond that and hold real hope as to what his new mission will bring.

“I pray that Pope Leo XIV will remain steadfast in fidelity to tradition and be a powerful force for unity within the Church. In a world and even within the Church, marked by division and unrest, may he draw upon the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to foster communion and lead the Church in her saving mission,” said Zephania Gangl, a young adult and youth minister at St. Patrick's Parish in Schomberg, Ont., and St. Mary's Mission Church in nearby Nobleton.

“I especially look forward to how Pope Leo will confront the growing secularism and materialism in our culture. I pray he speaks directly to the hearts of young people, inspiring them to embrace the joy of following Christ wholeheartedly and to resist the allure of worldly distractions.”

Gangl was among the thousands gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the National March for Life May 8 when news of the white smoke emanating from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel swept through the crowd. She greeted the news that Cardinal Robert Prevost would assume the See of Peter as Pope Leo XIV with puzzled excitement.

“To see Pope Leo XIV be elected as the successor to Pope Francis, I felt a mixture of surprise and excitement. I had not known his name prior to the announcement, which made it all the more striking to learn that he is the first American to ascend to the papacy,” Gangl said.

“What moved me most, however, was the profound humility he displayed as he appeared before the crowd. With tears in his eyes, Pope Leo XIV seemed deeply aware of the immense responsibility now placed upon him, the burden of the Cross he must bear and the authority he now holds as the 'perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.’ ”

Gangl also passionately emphasizes the role of youth in countering modern challenges with the light of Christ, saying that “the mission of the New Evangelization must be made real for today’s youth, encouraging them to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and shine as lights in a darkened world.”

“It is through this bold and joyful witness that the Church can effectively respond to the challenges of atheistic materialism, consumerism and hedonism.”

Like Gangl, many in the pro-life crowd in Ottawa knew little about the new Pope, but look forward to getting to know him.

“I had heard the news, of course, but my first thought was that his name did not ring a bell right away,” said Tristan Kolsch. “I think a lot of (young adults) are taking the time now to find out a little bit more about him, but it’s an exciting time nonetheless.”

What little those gathered did know drew some spirited debate. 

“I had heard that he was a (Chicago) White Sox fan,” said Ryan amid a dispute with his friend, who claimed it was the crosstown rival the Cubs of Major League Baseball instead.

“Either way, he is now the first American Pope, that I do know,” his friend said.

Micah MacMullen is a youth minister at Toronto’s St. Paul's Basilica and has already enjoyed the little he has seen from Pope Leo XIV so far, including listening to his past homilies as a cardinal.

“I was profoundly moved by his clarity of thought and his ability to communicate the truths of our faith in a way that is both intellectually engaging and spiritually nourishing. His approach to complex and often sensitive issues is marked by a rare combination of charity and conviction, qualities I believe are urgently needed in the Church’s leadership today,” he said.

It’s the truths of our faith mentioned by MacMullen that are ever-important for the faithful to understand, but also need to continue to be crucially accessible to non-believers, said Sarah Marchack, a young adult parishioner of  St. Basil's Parish on the University of Toronto campus.

“My hope is that (Pope Leo XIV) continues to share the Good News that the peace of Christ and the love of God are available to everyone,” she said.

“We need this encouragement, and some people have never even been told this message. The whole world is watching him right now, and I hope that his message of peace and Christ’s triumph over evil strengthens the faithful, as well as draws those who don’t have faith to discover who Jesus is.”

As young adults continue to learn about their new Pope and his hopes for the Church, they can take early solace in knowing that his mission is deeply rooted in the love of Christ.

“This is the world that has been entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour. Therefore, it is essential that we too repeat, with Peter: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,’ ” Pope Leo XIV said in his first homily during Holy Mass for the College of Cardinals on May 9