chicago pope

The new pope, Pope Leo XIV, was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago. He was elected the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, and is the first pope born in the United States and specifically from Chicago. Raised in the Chicago area, particularly the South Side and the suburb of Dolton, he has deep ties to the city including his early education, ordination as a priest, and various Chicago Catholic institutions. Pope Leo XIV is also known for his Chicago sports loyalties, being a fan of the Chicago White Sox, and for local favorites like Aurelio’s Pizza. Chicago celebrated his election with widespread local enthusiasm, recognizing this as a historic moment—both for Chicago and for American Catholics. The pope's Chicago connections include his birth at Mercy Hospital in the Bronzeville neighborhood, his childhood home in Dolton, and his educational path through Chicago’s Catholic schools and institutions. In summary, Pope Leo XIV has strong personal and cultural ties to Chicago, making him the first American pope with roots in the city, lauded for his background and community connections there.