CHICAGO — Reverend William Lego started the day Friday the same way he does most days, by leading mass at St. Turibius on Chicago’s southwest side.

However, he was able to share something with parishioners that most priests are not able to. In his homily, he was able to talk about his relationship with Pope Leo XIV. 

What You Need To Know

  • Reverend William Lego studied together with the new pope at a seminary high school in Michigan and later at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. 

  • Having trained alongside Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Prevost, Lego said he was not shocked when it was announced that he would become pope

  • Lego said he feels Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian background will serve him well

Rev. Lego, like the pope, is an Augustinian. The two studied together at a seminary high school in Michigan and later at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. 

“He (Pope Leo) always was very personable. Holds you into account, very intelligent, gathers information, and he doesn’t make snap decisions. He takes his time, he prays and reflects,” said Lego. 

Having trained alongside Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Prevost, Lego said he was not shocked when it was announced that he would become pope. He admitted there was still some surprise, but less so than there was for others. 

“I thought it was going to happen. I actually thought it was going to happen knowing him and knowing his relationship with Pope Francis and, from his time in Peru, how he was recognized and given more leadership responsibilities,” said Lego. 

Lego said he feels Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian background will serve him well. 

“From our formation, we are formed to live in community, which means we share our lives with one another, and we invite people to share their lives with us and to discover the presence of God,” said Lego. 

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