ROME-The first American Pope has spent over 12 years in Rome and has cultivated many friendships within the Church, and at a local pizzeria as well as supporting fervently the Roma football club.

 Before he chose the name Pope Leo XIV, he first arrived in Rome as Robert Prevost. In the 1980’s, when he was 27 years old, he came to Rome as only a student and then a prior general of the congregation of the Augustinians. He was sent to the capital by the Order to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum.

 According to Il Messagero, Father Angelo Di Berardino remembers his friend’s time in Rome fondly. Father Angelo was present during the presentation of Pope Leo’s thesis in 1987, which was titled, “The Role of the Local Prior of the Order of Saint Augustine.”  He was happy to think “that the young student I met so many years ago is now the successor of Peter.” He continues to reminisce, “I will never forget the day of the discussion and the many years we have spent together in Rome.” During the future Pope Leo XIV’s time in Rome he lived on “both via Paolo VI and on via della Scrofa. Always together with his brothers.”

 A few days before the start of the Conclave, Cardinal Prevost had a dinner with his brother priests who he knew in Rome. Fr Angelo joined the dinner and said, “The last time I met him was last Monday, we had lunch together.”  He also spoke highly of the new Pope’s character, “a very humble and reserved person, who never showed off. He walked around the streets of the city without being noticed too much.”

 During the future pope’s time in Rome, he often ate at a pizzeria in Prati called, “L’Isola della Pizza.” The pizzeria is owned by Adele, her husband Vito, and their children Laura and Renzo. After Thursday's announcement of his election as pontiff, “the party exploded” as the familiar face of their frequent customer appeared on the tv screen.

 Adele shared the exciting moment, “We were working and following the event on television. As soon as he appeared we recognized him: a unique emotion. I feel like crying at the thought that a few days ago we welcomed the Pope.” The restaurant is frequented by other members of the Vatican such as, Swiss guards and Cardinals. “But never a pontiff,” adds Adele.

 She remembers the future Pope Leo’s recent evening at the restaurant, “He arrived with another priest and sat in the room that we reserve for the cardinals, so they can eat in peace because here, fortunately, it’s always so busy. He was also served by Mediu, our waiter who takes care of the cardinals.” Adele recalls what the Pontiff ordered, “Artichokes for an appetizer and a plate of pasta.”

 Cardinal Prevost visited the Santa Monica International College, where the Pope was a student years ago, a few days before the start of the Conclave. “He came to visit us on Monday,” says Don Carlo Ambrosio Setti, a priest from Campania. “I met him when I was a student and he had already graduated, but he was still around.”

 “It was the end of the 80s, the beginning of the 90s,” recalls Don Carlo. He also described the Pope as a “humble man,” but also “very sensitive and open.” “He never imposed his point of view. He always listened to others and their needs. Always ready to help. A man who never broke and who built bridges. A man of peace, as he himself wanted to underline in his speech.” Don Carlo followed the announcement in the college, “We had all the TVs on and I was with about thirty students from all over the world. When we heard his name, we were all moved. We didn’t expect it.”

 Father Giuseppe Pagano, an Augustinian from Santo Spirito in Florence, who spoke about Prevost's love of sports and his preferred soccer team, “He is a big fan of Rome. I spoke to him after the Roma-Fiorentina match. I jokingly told him, ‘Roma’s victory is Francis’ first miracle after his death.”

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