Chicago Celebrates Native Son’s Ascent to Papacy as Pope Leo XIV

The news reverberated through Chicago’s Southland like a joyous hymn: Robert Prevost, the quiet, studious boy from St. Mary of the Assumption school in Riverdale, had been elected Pope Leo XIV. The working-class neighborhood, a tapestry woven with the threads of railroad jobs, steel mills, and unwavering Catholic faith, erupted in a wave of pride. For many, it was a moment that transcended the ordinary, transforming their small world into a global stage.

Former classmates, now seasoned with the wisdom of years, found their phones buzzing with excited messages. The white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel signaled not just a new pontiff, but a shared history, a collective memory of a boy who always seemed destined for something extraordinary. Marianne Angarola, 69, could hardly contain her emotion. "Oh my God, he’s actually the pope," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride at having shared her early spiritual journey with the new leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, brings with him a reputation for championing the disenfranchised and a relatable background that resonates deeply with many Americans. An Augustinian. A Villanova graduate. A baseball fan. These are the identifiers that paint a portrait of a man of the people, a man who understands the struggles and aspirations of ordinary lives.

The pope’s Chicago roots are a source of immense pride for the city. Born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955 at Mercy Hospital, just south of the downtown Loop, he spent his formative years in Dolton, a suburb steeped in the values of hard work and community. His parents, Louis, an educator, and Mildred, a librarian, instilled in him a deep sense of service and a commitment to the Catholic faith. St. Mary of the Assumption Parish was the heart of their world, a place where friendships blossomed and faith was nurtured.

"Everybody was friends with each other. And in such a small school, it was a very family-oriented parish," recalled Angarola. The school, though divided into separate classes for boys and girls, fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Peggy Wurtz, 69, another classmate, fondly remembered Leo’s gentle spirit and calm demeanor. "Robert was just always a gentle soul," she said, recalling his serene smile and the quiet intelligence that seemed to radiate from him. She recounted a fifth-grade science fair where Leo’s brilliance shone through, even intimidating her with his insightful answers to the judges’ questions.

Even as a young boy, Leo’s devotion to the priesthood was evident. His brother, Louis Prevost, chuckled as he recalled teasing his little brother about becoming the pope. It was a playful jest, but perhaps it held a grain of prophecy. John Doughney, 69, a classmate and fellow altar boy, remembered Leo’s unwavering commitment to his faith. "He was serious about this path," Doughney said, marveling at the fact that "none of us ever gave any consideration that one of us would be pope."

The path to the papacy was a long and winding one, marked by years of study, service, and dedication. After graduating from St. Mary of the Assumption, Leo bypassed the local high school and entered a seminary, setting his sights firmly on a life devoted to God. He continued his studies at St. Augustine Catholic Seminary in Michigan, Villanova University in Philadelphia, and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, forging lifelong bonds with fellow priests along the way.

The Rev. William Lego, a close friend and classmate, remembered Leo’s early passion for social justice. "He had a social justice bent," Lego said, emphasizing Leo’s deep concern for the marginalized and oppressed. At the age of 27, Leo was sent to Rome for further studies and ordained a priest. In 1985, he embarked on a mission to Peru, where he served the Augustinian community for many years. His dedication and leadership led to his appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Leo’s work in Peru, though lauded by many, has also faced scrutiny. Concerns have been raised about his handling of clergy sexual abuse allegations during his tenure in Peru and Chicago. While the Vatican has denied any wrongdoing and some have praised him for his efforts to address abuse, these concerns remain a sensitive topic.

In recent years, Leo’s rise within the Catholic Church has been meteoric. He took over the Vatican office overseeing bishop nominations, was made an archbishop, and finally, a cardinal. Despite his growing responsibilities, he always found time to return to Chicago and reconnect with his old friend, Rev. Lego.

As Pope Leo XIV assumes the helm of the Catholic Church, he faces a world grappling with conflict, division, and uncertainty. But those who knew him in his youth believe that his journey has prepared him well for the challenges ahead. "He always takes all sides into consideration," said Lego. "He spends time in prayer before he makes a decision."

News of the election reached Leo’s brothers in different corners of the United States. John Prevost, in a Chicago suburb, was initially skeptical, having heard that an American pope was unlikely. Louis Prevost, in Florida, was "mind blown" by the news. Both brothers expressed a mix of excitement, pride, and a touch of apprehension about how the papacy would impact their relationship with their brother.

The election of Pope Leo XIV has ignited a wave of pride and hope in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson captured the city’s sentiment perfectly with his tweet: "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!"

People flocked to Riverdale, eager to see the place where the new pope’s journey began. Aggie Veld, who drove 50 miles from Central Illinois, felt drawn to the neighborhood, seeking a connection to the man who had reignited her faith. Tommie D. Davis brought his 13-year-old twins to St. Mary of the Assumption, hoping that Pope Leo XIV would become a role model for his sons.

Donna Novak, who grew up in Dolton and whose brothers were friends with the young Leo, was overcome with joy when she heard the news. "I just screamed," she said, recalling the moment she watched the live stream from the Vatican on her phone at work. She remembers him as "such a calming person, so peaceful, so serene, so with God."

The story of Pope Leo XIV is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of community, and the extraordinary potential that lies within ordinary lives. From the humble streets of Chicago’s Southland to the grand halls of the Vatican, his journey is an inspiration to us all.