Chicago Celebrates Native Son Pope Leo XIV \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope in history—Chicagoans erupted with pride and celebration. Students, neighbors, and church communities across the city honored his South Side roots and long legacy of service.
Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was born and raised in Chicago.
- Students at The Frances Xavier Warde School cheered his historic election.
- Prevost is the first American ever elected pope.
- Chicagoans shared personal stories, school memories, and social media tributes.
- Catholic leaders hailed his South Side roots and lifelong compassion.
- The Catholic Theological Union called his election a moment of unity.
- Social media memes dubbed him “Da Pope,” sparking viral civic pride.
- Local businesses and churches are celebrating his Chicago connection.
Deep Look
The moment the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope, televisions flickered on in classrooms across Chicago. At The Frances Xavier Warde School, an independent Catholic school in the heart of the city, students leapt from their seats as the image of Cardinal Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—appeared on screen.
It was a moment of awe, pride, and almost disbelief.
“Our students are just beside themselves,” said Mary Perrotti, director of advancement at the school. “They’re beyond excited and can’t believe a Chicagoan is their new pope.”
A Papacy Rooted in Chicago’s Neighborhoods
Born in 1955 in Bronzeville and raised in Dolton, Prevost grew up immersed in the spiritual and civic fabric of the South Side. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption, where he served as an altar boy and participated in school fundraisers with his family. His early years were shaped by a strong parish life, neighborhood solidarity, and a sense of mission deeply ingrained in the city’s culture.
The path that began in Dolton eventually led him to Peru, where he ministered for decades before ascending to Rome and becoming a key Vatican official. His election as pope, following the death of Pope Francis, is historic—not only because he is the first American to ever lead the Catholic Church, but because he represents the intersection of Chicago’s gritty humanity and global faith.
Former Classmates and Church Leaders Reflect
Those who knew Prevost in his early years say the seeds of his leadership were visible even in adolescence.
“Even when he was 12 or 13, he had this clarity,” said John Doughney, a St. Mary’s classmate. “We always knew he was headed toward the priesthood. He was compassionate, kind, a friend to everyone.”
Linda Eickmann, another St. Mary’s alum, screamed in joy when she saw the news on TV. “How cool is that?” she said. “A pope from my elementary school, from my town. It’s unreal.”
At the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, where Prevost once studied and later taught, Sister Barbara Reid called the moment “transformative.” “Someone beloved by our local church is now beloved by the entire Catholic world,” she said.
Social Justice and Chicago Values on the World Stage
For community leaders, Pope Leo XIV’s election is more than symbolic. It’s an opportunity to highlight Chicago’s rich tradition of social justice, immigrant advocacy, and compassion—principles that have long guided Prevost’s ministry.
Raul Raymundo, co-founder of The Resurrection Project in Pilsen, called it a “hopeful day” and said the new pope is perfectly positioned to carry forward Pope Francis’ work, especially in welcoming migrants and addressing global inequality.
“There are tears of joy, of hope, of motivation to rise to this moment,” said Raymundo. “His election tells people from Chicago’s working-class and immigrant neighborhoods that we belong on the world stage.”
Churches and City Spaces Become Gathering Points
At Holy Name Cathedral, dozens gathered in prayer as sunlight spilled through stained glass. Some were Catholic. Others, like Laurel Legle, were not, but felt compelled to witness the moment.
“I’m not Catholic, but I just had to come,” she said. “This is history.”
Father Gregory Sakowicz, the cathedral’s rector, described the timing of the sun breaking through as the new pope was announced as “God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
And yes, he had a burning question too: Cubs or Sox?
When told Pope Leo XIV is likely a White Sox fan, Sakowicz laughed. “God bless him.”
“Da Pope” Goes Viral
If the mood in churches was reverent, the vibe on social media was exuberant. Chicagoans took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to celebrate their hometown pope the Chicago way—with memes, music, and a side of humor.
- A video of the pope exiting the Vatican was overlaid with Chicago Bulls intro music.
- Searches for “Da Pope” spiked on Google.
- A local company announced “Da Pope” T-shirts in Bears orange and blue.
- Memes floated around suggesting Malört and tavern-style pizza replace communion wine and wafers.
- Portillo’s joked that it would ship Italian beef to Vatican City.
It was fun, irreverent, and quintessentially Chicago.
A Pope With a Local Heart and Global Reach
While the jokes continued online, a deeper pride resonated throughout the city—especially among Catholic families and educators.
“For Catholic Chicagoans, to have a native son who was born and raised in a city where equity, dignity, and community service are core values, it really speaks volumes,” said Perrotti. “I truly believe his Chicago upbringing informs his ministry. Now, he can show the world who we are as a city.”
From South Side altars to St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV carries more than a cross and staff. He carries a city’s story — one of resilience, diversity, faith, and everyday grace.
Chicago Celebrates
