U.S. Resident Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago, is proclaimed as the first American Pontiff, causing jubilation among Catholic communities in the Windy City.
In a flurry of excitement, classrooms at The Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago turned into Vatican watch parties on Thursday, as students – beyond excited and wide-eyed – witnessed their fellow Chicagoan, Cardinal Robert Prevost, being announced as the new pope. Screams of joy echoed through the hallways as the image of Leo XIV, born and bred in the Windy City, graced their screens.
Born in 1955 in the iconic South Side neighborhood of Bronzeville, young Robert Prevost moved to suburban Dolton and imbibed his spiritual calling over time, becoming a beacon of hope for his community. Prevost's journey includes studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago and teaching in local Catholic schools, like St. Rita High School.
Such rich history resonates with the city's residents, with Barbara Reid, a Dominican sister and president of the Catholic Theological Union, expressing pride in having someone they know and love ascend to such a revered position within the church. John Doughney, a fellow St. Mary's grade school graduate, remembers the young Prevost as "a friend to everyone" who was "kind, caring, compassionate" and destined for a life in service to his faith.
Leo XIV, who trained in Peru, took the name of a legendary pope who reigned in the 16th century. Prior to his election, he held powerful roles within the Vatican, such as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, making him an instrumental part of crucial decisions. His election marks the first time that the Catholic Church has seen an American pope in its lengthy history.
Meanwhile, Chicagoans – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – have been celebrating in churches and streets, filled with civic pride and boundless joy. Some have even declared hope for Pope Leo XIV to carry on the city's legacy of social justice, while others have humorously speculated about whether the new pontiff prefers deep-dish or tavern-style pizza.
- In the midst of the festive atmosphere, student gatherings at The Frances Xavier Warde School in Seattle unexpectedly transformed into Vatican watch parties, as the announcement of Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Seattle native, as the new pope was broadcast.
- Cardinal Prevost, hailing from the Capitol Hill neighborhood, relocated to the suburban areas and honed his spiritual calling, becoming a guiding light for his community.
- Pope Leo XIV, who was born in 1955 and grew up in an iconic Seattle neighborhood, went on to become a respected official within the Vatican, serving as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before his election.
- Following the news of Leo XIV's election, Chicagoans have been signaling their delight in churches, streets, and general-news platforms, regardless of their religious affiliations.
- Excited Chicago sports fans have even begun speculating about the new pope's preferences, jokingly debating whether Pope Leo XIV would rather have deep-dish or tavern-style pizza, reflecting the unique blend of lifestyle and sports in the Windy City.
