Chicago Celebrates as Native Son Becomes First American Pope: Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO – The city is buzzing with excitement as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. With the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel signaling the decision, Cardinal Prevost became the first American pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, following the passing of Pope Francis last month.

At The Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago, the atmosphere was electric as students crowded around TV screens to watch the historic announcement. The moment Cardinal Prevost’s face appeared on the screen, cheers erupted through the hallways. Children jumped to their feet, pumping their fists in the air.

“We’re beyond excited. The kids can’t believe a Chicagoan is now their pope,” said Mary Perrotti, director of advancement at the school. “They were in awe.”

Pope Leo XIV, 69, was born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood in 1955 and raised in suburban Dolton. He went on to study theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in Hyde Park, later serving as a teacher and spiritual leader in local schools, including St. Rita High School. Before being elected pope, Prevost had a successful ministry in Peru.

A Deep Connection to Chicago’s Catholic Community

For Chicagoans, the announcement of Prevost’s election is a moment of immense pride. Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union, expressed the deep joy felt by many in the city. “We are overjoyed that someone who is beloved and known to us is now the beloved leader of the whole church,” she said.

Longtime friends and former classmates recall Prevost as a deeply compassionate and driven individual. John Doughney, a fellow graduate of St. Mary’s Grade School, said that even as a young boy, it was clear that Prevost was destined for the priesthood. “He was a friend to everyone,” Doughney shared. “We knew from an early age that this was his calling.”

A Hometown Celebrates

As the news of Prevost’s election spread, Chicagoans gathered in churches to pray, while social media exploded with excitement. At Holy Name Cathedral, about two dozen people gathered to reflect and celebrate the historic occasion. Father Gregory Sakowicz, the cathedral’s rector, described the moment as a “profound” event. “When the new pope was announced, the sun came out,” he said, adding, “I was happily shocked.”

In the midst of the joy, there were plenty of lighthearted moments as Chicagoans embraced their newfound connection to the Vatican. Social media was filled with memes celebrating Chicago’s unique culture—from deep-dish pizza to the city’s famous Malört liqueur. Fans jokingly debated whether the new pope was a Chicago White Sox or Cubs fan, with Father Sakowicz sharing a chuckle after hearing Pope Leo XIV is, in fact, a Sox fan.

A Symbol of Social Justice and Compassion

For many, the election of Pope Leo XIV isn’t just a source of pride but also a symbol of Chicago’s commitment to social justice. Raul Raymundo, a community leader and co-founder of the Resurrection Project, said he hopes the new pope will continue Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion, particularly in welcoming immigrants. “There’s tears of joy, hope, and motivation to rise to this moment,” Raymundo shared.

Chicago’s Love for Its New Pope

In true Chicago fashion, even T-shirt companies jumped on the bandwagon, offering “Da Pope” shirts in Bears-themed colors. Chicagoans eagerly swapped videos of the pope’s first appearance in Vatican City, overlaying the iconic Chicago Bulls intro music for extra flair. Locally, there were even jokes about replacing communion wafers with tavern-style pizza and sending Portillo’s Italian beef to the Vatican.

For Chicagoans, Pope Leo XIV represents more than just a religious leader. He embodies the city’s spirit—one of social justice, compassion, and community care. As Mary Perrotti from The Frances Xavier Warde School put it, “His upbringing in Chicago informs his ministry and compassion. Now, he has the chance to give the world a sense of who we are as a city.”

A Moment of Pride and Hope for All

As Chicago celebrates this extraordinary moment, it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV’s rise to the papacy holds deep meaning for the city. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this moment represents a new chapter in history—a hometown son who will lead the world’s Catholic community with justice and compassion.