ST. LOUIS – Pope Leo XIV has officially taken the reins atop the Catholic church.

And while many know of his connections to Chicago, the new pope also has a special tie to St. Louis.

As it turns out, the pontiff spent a year here in St. Louis training to become a priest. The Archdiocese of St. Louis confirms Pope Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Prevost, served at Immaculate Conception St. Henry’s parish off of Lafayette Avenue in south St. Louis from 1977 to 1978.

The church has since closed, but Prevost left a lasting impression on at least one parishioner.

Lifelong St. Louisan and Catholic Steve Baker tells FOX 2 seeing his old friend, who he knows as “Bob,” become the pope was a dream come true. Baker described Prevost as humble, smart and “one of the guys.”

Baker added while Prevost may blended-in well, it was clear even then that the priest-in-training was going places.

Baker said the two have stayed in touch over the years, even exchanging emails ahead of the conclave. He said he feels confident his old friend will do great things as the new pope.