In the 1970's, a young man by the name of Bob served as a novice for a year in a South St. Louis Church. Today, he was named Pope Leo XIV.
St. Louisan Steve Baker remembers the new pope from his days at the Augustinian Church. Prevost served as a novice at the Augustinian church in South City. Local Steve Baker reminisces on the man he knew simply as 'Bob.'
"He was giving his address from the portico in St. Peter's. Unassuming," describes Baker, adding "he even looked unassuming up there. That was Bob Prevost... a little grayer, a little older.
Baker says Pope Leo XIV was an everyday, blue collar man back when he served in St. Louis. He remembers drinking coffee and talking music and sports with him.
"We'd talk about Stan Musial, Enos Slaughter, Bob Uecker... nothing religious, we were just guys talking about music."
Baker says Leo XIV reminds him of the man he is succeeding, the late Pope Francis.
"[Pope Francis] was just all about the people, and I think Pope Leo XIV will be about the people.
According to his bio, Francis served in St. Louis from September of 1977 until he took his first vows a year later in 1978.
Locals KMOX spoke to at the old Cathedral were excited to see an American named as the new Pope.
"We're really proud of the fact that Americans are going to be represented," said one, with another adding "I was quite surprised, kind of unexpected."