Chicago Celebrates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Chicago erupted in joy as native son Robert Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope. Schools, churches, and neighborhoods celebrated the historic moment, reflecting pride in his local roots and social justice values. From prayer vigils to memes, Catholic Chicagoans embraced “Da Pope” with excitement and civic pride.
Chicago Celebrates First American Pope Quick Looks
- Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, becomes Pope Leo XIV.
- Students at Chicago Catholic schools erupted in cheers at the news.
- Pope Leo XIV was raised in Dolton, Illinois, and taught locally.
- Catholic Theological Union hails his deep Chicago and social justice roots.
- Alumni recall Prevost as a kind, compassionate, spiritually focused youth.
- Local churches held prayer gatherings; others celebrated via social media.
- Memes and merchandise—like “Da Pope” shirts—flooded online platforms.
- Chicagoans hope Leo XIV continues Francis’ legacy of compassion.
- Civic leaders see his election as a moment of hope and pride.
- Leo’s South Side upbringing seen as foundational to his ministry style.
Chicago Celebrates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff
Deep Look
Chicago Rejoices as Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff
CHICAGO — Joy, pride, and astonishment filled the streets, schools, and churches of Chicago on Thursday as the city celebrated one of its own—Cardinal Robert Prevost—ascending to the papacy. Now Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, a moment that many Catholic Chicagoans describe as nothing short of historic.
At The Frances Xavier Warde School in downtown Chicago, students gathered in classrooms with eyes fixed on the television as white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel. The cheers were immediate when Cardinal Prevost’s name was announced as the newly elected pope.
“They’re beyond excited,” said Mary Perrotti, director of advancement at the school. “It’s awe-inspiring for them to see a pope who grew up in their own city.”
From South Side to St. Peter’s
Born in 1955 in the Bronzeville neighborhood and raised in suburban Dolton, Prevost’s path to the papacy was deeply rooted in Chicago’s Catholic community. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption School, later studied at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, and even taught at St. Rita High School. These local ties are giving Chicagoans an unusually personal connection to the Vatican’s new leader.
Barbara Reid, president of Catholic Theological Union, called the news “overwhelmingly joyful.”
“To see someone we know and love take the reins of the global Church is a blessing beyond words,” she said.
Classmates Reflect on a Spiritual Calling
John Doughney, a former classmate from St. Mary’s, remembered Prevost’s early sense of vocation. “Even at 12 or 13, you could tell he was meant for the priesthood,” he said. “We’re bursting with pride.”
Linda Eickmann, who also attended St. Mary’s, echoed that sentiment. “It’s surreal. A pope from our small-town school? Unreal,” she said, recalling how involved the Prevost family was in church activities—right down to organizing sloppy joe fundraisers.
Spreading Social Justice Values from Chicago to Rome
Raul Raymundo, co-founder of The Resurrection Project, said the pope’s election symbolizes hope and inclusion. “We pray he carries forward the legacy of both Pope Francis and Chicago—a city known for its compassion and activism,” he said.
As an immigrant from Mexico who grew up in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Raymundo said the moment was deeply moving. “There were tears—of joy, of hope, of possibility.”
Celebrations Online and in the Pew
At Holy Name Cathedral, worshippers lit candles and prayed. Some, like Laurel Legle, came just to experience the moment—even though she isn’t Catholic.
“I’m not even Christian, but I felt compelled to come. It’s a profound moment,” she said.
Even Father Gregory Sakowicz, rector of the cathedral, couldn’t help but joke about local pride: “The sun came out when the pope was announced. God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
When asked about the new pope’s baseball allegiance, Sakowicz was relieved to learn Leo XIV is a White Sox fan. “Thank God,” he said with a laugh.
Memes, Merch, and Malört
Social media exploded with Chicago-themed tributes. “Da Pope” memes went viral. One featured Pope Leo XIV’s image over the iconic Chicago Bulls intro music. Another imagined communion being replaced by Malört and tavern-style pizza.
Local businesses joined in: Portillo’s joked about shipping Italian beef to the Vatican, and a T-shirt brand announced “Da Pope” shirts in Bears colors.
Even Google saw a spike in searches for “Da Pope,” capturing the cultural impact of the announcement in true Chicago fashion.
A Message of Compassion, Connection, and Community
The deeper emotion underlying the celebration was a sense that Pope Leo XIV embodies the values many Chicagoans cherish—compassion, inclusivity, and service. Perrotti said it best:
“This is a man raised in a city where caring for others is second nature. His ministry reflects the spirit of Chicago.”
From Bronzeville to Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV’s journey is now part of global Catholic history. But to those in Chicago, he’s still their neighbor, their classmate, their local priest—and now, their pope.
