A Cardinal from the Windy City Takes the Throne
Chicago-Born Pope Leo XIV Sparks Outpouring of Sacred Satire
In a whirlwind of laughter and memes, Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff to hail from the U.S., specifically the iconic city of Chicago, has taken the global stage. Since his election as America's top clergyman, digital humorists and ordinary folks have dived into an endless pit of jokes, Photoshopped images, and playful barbs, creating a mountain of chuckle-worthy content reminiscent of Chicago's deep-dish pizza and heavily-laden hot dogs.
"Take a deep breath, 'cause you just witnessed a never-ending jokeshow," quips Chad Nackers, a Chicago native and the boss man at The Onion, a satirical news outlet that gleefully welcomed Leo XIV with an image of him nestled comfortably in a poppyseed-studded bun.
"Pope Conclave Selects First Chicago-Style Pope" read their headline, a witty nod to the Windy City's famous accent, forever immortalized on Saturday Night Live. Whether it's the papal visage adorned with a Bears cap instead of the traditional zucchetto or the pope speaking in the city's unique slang, the humor is irresistible.
According to Chad, the church's vestments and the idea of a man acting as the mouthpiece for the divine offer endless possibilities for a good laugh, and having the Pope emerge from the U.S., especially Chicago, adds another layer to the ballet of absurdity.
"It's like a blooming fungus," he grins.
"DA POPE!" splashed the Chicago Sun-Times, one of countless odes to the city's distinctive accent. In this realm of hilarity, the Pope is transformed into a mustachioed, everyman who drops T's for D's and trades his zucchetto for a Bears cap.
Taking Chicago Tropes for a Spin
With Chicago under the limelight, common references to the city were woven into Pope Leo XIV's satirical tapestry. What's more Chicago than a popemobile that's been replaced by a Dodge Monaco like the one from The Blues Brothers? Or a sly rebranding of city-set shows and films, such as "Chicago Pope" instead of "Chicago Hope"? Or even dreams of Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches replacing the bread and wine of communion? All, in a word, delish!
Chicago's passion for sports didn't get left out, either. The belief that Leo XIV was a Cubs loyalist inspired theories like him secretly hating the Cardinals, but in reality, it seems he's a subtle White Sox supporter.
More about the Papal Transition
- Even as Pope, Leo XIV may still need to deal with U.S. tax returns
- Leo XIV celebrates his first Mass as Pope
- The Chosen One: Leo XIV, America's First Pope, Takes the Name Leo XIV
- Two priests reflect on their lifelong friendship with their new Pope, Robert
- Washington State Catholics express collective shock over the pope selection
- Theopolis: The Village of Theos in Seattle where a Catholic community thrives
It didn't stop folks in Wrigleyville from devouring Pope Leo XIV memes and basking in hometown pride. At the Sports World shop, buyers flocked in, asking for Cubs jerseys marked with the Pope's name. Down the street at Wrigleyville Sports, Chad Grant admitted he wouldn't mind if Pope Leo XIV rooted for the White Sox, but with a sigh, "I can't help but feel a little bad, knowing he's been conditioned to accept defeat for so long."
Late-night hosts joined the party, reveling in an American's rise to the leadership of the church.
Jimmy Fallon joked about "deep-dish communion wafers" and referred to Leo XIV as "Bobby Bratwurst," while Stephen Colbert chanted "Pope-S-A" and invoked "da prayers" in thick Chicago lingo.
"I swear to God, I'm more excited than if they opened a new Olive Garden," quipped Jimmy Kimmel, barely containing his glee.
With Ferris Bueller jokes on the horizon and Oprah proclaiming, "You get a pope! And you get a pope!" the humor fest will only escalate, complete with jokes of the Pope baptized in the green Chicago River and immortalized atop its shiny Cloud Gate bean.
"I suppose the papacy feels human again," says Ashley Lenz, a local theologian working for the Catholic prayer app Hallow. "It's a delight to see the sacred intertwining with the ordinary. With the pope munching on Portillo's or cheering on the Sox, it all feels more tangible, closer to home."
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Coverage by Associated Press writer Melina Walling contributing from Chicago.
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Matt Sedensky can be reached at [email protected] and his personal blog at this link.
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- In the realm of satire, business tycoons and political leaders are not the only figures subjected to humor; entertainment figures and even the Pope, such as Pope Leo XIV, have also become targets.
- In Seattle, a village named Theopolis thrives, offering a Catholic community a place to call home, yet they are not immune to the global fascination with Pope Leo XIV.
- As the digital space buzzes with endless jokes about Pope Leo XIV, social media platforms have also become a battleground for products bearing his name, such as Cubs jerseys and Dodge Monacos.
- Amid the Chicagoan narrative surrounding the pontiff, the city's passion for sports has also found its place in the satirical tapestry, with debate about Leo XIV's allegiance to the Cubs or the White Sox stirring debate among fans.
- The pop culture phenomenon is not limited to Chicago; the country as a whole, including late-night hosts such as Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert, have joined the merrymaking, weaving humor into their monologues.
- As the latest pop-culture sensation continues to captivate the nation, a local theologian, Ashley Lenz, offers her perspective: "With the pope munching on Portillo's or cheering on the Sox, it all feels more tangible, closer to home."
