Chicago Celebrates: A South Side Son Becomes Pope Leo XIV

Chicago erupted in a wave of joyous disbelief and pride as news spread that a native son, a man who walked its streets and worshipped in its churches, had ascended to the papacy. The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, reverberated throughout the city, transforming ordinary Sunday masses into celebrations of local triumph and faith.

The South Side, in particular, felt the profound impact of this historic moment. The neighborhood, known for its vibrant mix of cultures and strong Catholic heritage, embraced the news with unbridled enthusiasm. The connection to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, suddenly felt palpable, bridging the distance between the ancient city and the streets where the new pope had first learned his faith.

David Williams, a lifelong South Sider, captured the sentiment of many as he emerged from a packed Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. He marveled at the city’s newfound distinction, humorously suggesting that Chicago was now defined by Michael Jordan, Al Capone, and Pope Leo XIV. The choice of ranking this "holy trinity" was left to the public, but the implication was clear: the election of a Chicagoan as pope had elevated the city to a new level of historical significance.

The news of Leo’s election had been a surprise, to say the least. While Chicago boasted a strong Catholic population, the possibility of an American pope had always seemed distant, almost impossible, given the United States’ global power. Now, however, many believed that a leader shaped by Chicago’s unique experiences was precisely what the world needed.

Williams emphasized that Leo’s rise demonstrated the universal reach of Jesus, embracing individuals from all walks of life. He saw the new pope as a continuation of the ethic of service established by his predecessor, Pope Francis, a force for good in a world desperately in need of compassion and understanding.

Frieda Williams, David’s wife, echoed her husband’s optimism, highlighting the importance of Leo’s multicultural background. His dual citizenship with Peru and Creole heritage, she believed, equipped him to connect with people from all corners of the globe. Chicago’s own multicultural identity, she argued, was reflected in the new pope, making him a true representative of the world’s diverse population.

The atmosphere at churches across Chicago was electric. Parishioners at churches north of the Loop reported that Sunday Mass was more crowded than Easter. The echoes of Leo’s first Sunday address in St. Peter’s Square, where he warned against a "piecemeal" third world war and pleaded for peace, resonated deeply in his hometown.

Yellow and white Vatican flags adorned churches throughout the city, and the air was filled with chants of "Viva Papa Leo XIV." The celebrations extended to St. Mary of the Assumption, the church where Leo’s faith had been nurtured, even though it was currently shuttered.

Bishop Daniel Turley, an Augustinian brother who knew Leo when he was Robert Francis Prevost, shared his reaction to the news. He recalled being at a Chicago house for Augustinians when the white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. At that moment, Turley had a strong feeling it was his fellow South Sider and Augustinian brother.

Turley and Prevost shared remarkably similar paths. They grew up in South Side parishes, joined the same religious order, and served as missionaries in Peru. Turley served as bishop of Chulucanas, near the border with Ecuador, while Leo served as bishop in Chiclayo. Turley also held dual Peruvian citizenship, solidifying their shared experiences and connection to the South American nation.

Turley emphasized Leo’s deep love for Chicago and his intimate knowledge of the city. However, he also recognized the profound impact of his missionary work in Peru, shaping his perspective and instilling a deep concern for the entire world.

Beyond their shared religious vocation, Turley remembered Leo as a fellow White Sox fan, a keen tennis player, and an enthusiast of cumbia music, a popular genre in northern Peru. Their experiences as missionaries in Peru had strengthened their faith, exposing them to the unwavering devotion and generosity of the local people.

Everyday parishioners on the South Side also fondly recalled their encounters with Leo when he was still Cardinal Prevost. Alondra Aliviar, attending Mass at St. Rita of Cascia, the South Side home of the Augustinian order Leo once headed, described the feeling of walking on "hallowed ground" as she entered the church. The fact that the pope was "from home" made the moment even more special.

Aliviar, accompanied by her husband Alfredo and their two young sons, recalled seeing then-Cardinal Prevost on the South Side as recently as last year, when he blessed their family. For them, that blessing was the closest they had ever been to meeting a pope, making the current events feel surreal and deeply personal.

Ted and Katie Kolbus, visiting their son Nathan, were also caught up in the excitement. As lifelong Catholics, they had never imagined witnessing an American pope, let alone one hailing from the Midwest. Being in Chicago during this historic moment made the experience even more extraordinary.

Even Nathan, a Cubs fan, couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, despite the pope’s allegiance to the White Sox. When asked if Pope Leo could convert him to the South Side team, he remained hesitant, acknowledging their struggles. However, he expressed hope that the new pope might bring about a change in their fortunes.