Chicago Cheers: Hometown Hero Elected Pope

Chicago is buzzing with excitement after the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever U.S. pontiff, who hails from the Windy City. The news has sparked a wave of civic pride, humor, and hope throughout the city, uniting Cubs and White Sox fans alike in celebration.

For a city that endured a century-long wait for a World Series victory, the arrival of a Chicago-born pope feels like another monumental win. While Pope Leo XIV’s rumored allegiance to the South Side’s White Sox has caused some lighthearted ribbing, Chicagoans are largely united in their enthusiasm for their homegrown pontiff.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, echoing the city’s excitement, posted on X, "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! We hope to welcome you back home soon."

The Onion, Chicago’s famed satirical publication, seized the moment with a doctored image of Pope Leo holding a Chicago-style hot dog—sans ketchup, of course, a cardinal sin in the city’s culinary code. The Wieners Circle, a renowned Chicago hot dog stand, humorously declared in Latin, "CANES NOSTROS IPSE COMEDIT," or "He has eaten our dogs."

Beneath the memes and jokes, however, lies a deep sense of optimism. Chicagoans are proud of their city’s working-class heritage, and Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has a reputation for championing workers’ rights and the marginalized. His background resonates deeply with the city’s values.

Born in 1955 at Mercy Hospital, just south of the Loop, Prevost’s early life was rooted in the South Side Catholic church his family attended. Now, he is tasked with leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, a decision made by the Cardinals in the Vatican after a historic conclave.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, representing the South Side, emphasized the significance of having a pope from Chicago, especially during a time when the city has faced challenges and attacks on workers’ and immigrants’ rights. "It’s symbolic we have a pope from Chicago, who is actually also a dual citizen. It shows solidarity among countries and workers," he said. "It brings hope because Chicago is a beacon of hope for the country."

The news has bridged the traditional rivalry between Cubs and White Sox fans, who are jointly celebrating "Da Pope," a nod to the iconic "Da Bears" sketch from Saturday Night Live. Suggestions for replacing wine and bread at mass with Malört, a notoriously bitter liqueur, and deep-dish pizza or tamales, have been circulating online.

Social media has exploded with memes and photoshopped images of Pope Leo embracing Chicago’s culinary staples and sports teams. Both the Cubs and White Sox playfully announced his supposed allegiance on their scoreboards, though his brother confirmed he’s a White Sox fan.

Chicago, famously dubbed the "City of Big Shoulders" by poet Carl Sandburg, hopes that Pope Leo XIV will be a strong advocate for the city, particularly in the face of past criticisms. Under the Trump administration, Chicago was often portrayed as a haven for crime, and threats of federal intervention loomed large.

Sara Izquierdo, who runs a medical clinic for migrants on the South Side, expressed hope that the new pope would provide a counterweight to these negative perceptions and policies. "Hopefully it’s going to be a factor in fighting back," she said. "Francis was really good at standing up for people so I’m really hoping we see that same courage in this pope, too.”

Izquierdo’s clinic, which serves a large migrant population, has been forced to screen patients for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. She hopes that Pope Leo XIV’s presence will alleviate some of this tension.

Father Michael Pfleger, a prominent pastor known for his anti-violence work on the South Side, called the selection of an American cardinal unexpected but timely. "As I look at the world and the immorality going on with fascism and tyranny, we need a moral voice of conscience and of concern for the poor," he stated. He believes that Pope Leo’s voice will be distinctly shaped by his Chicago roots.

"He has all the right ingredients—he comes out of Chicago, which is unique to the country, the big city with a small city feel," Pfleger explained. "The city is the heart of America, it’s real people, it’s got all the issues of a city but it’s a place where people try to do right.”

While Trump has publicly celebrated the election of an American pope, Pfleger anticipates potential clashes in their views, citing Pope Leo’s past criticisms of Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media.

Chicagoans have also noted the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, a clear reference to Pope Leo XIII, known as the "Pope of the Workers." Pope Leo XIII championed workers’ rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective bargaining, principles that resonate deeply with the city’s labor movement.

The Chicago Federation of Labor expressed excitement about the message sent to workers worldwide and looks forward to Pope Leo XIV’s leadership. Sigcho-Lopez echoed this sentiment, praising the new pope’s ability to reflect the aspirations of working people.

Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Peru, where he served for decades and acquired dual citizenship, is also being celebrated. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called his election historic and acknowledged his profound impact on the country. "His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the heart of Peru," she said.

Celine Woznica, who volunteers at a Catholic church near Chicago that provides free services for migrants, felt a surge of hope upon learning of Pope Leo XIV’s election. "He came from a working class neighborhood of Chicago, so that gave him a good start," she said. "But he so identified with workers and marginalized people of Peru that he added Peruvian citizenship."

Woznica believes that Pope Leo XIV will continue to champion human dignity and provide guidance to those seeking help. "We got guidance and strength from Pope Francis’ words and I think we’ll be able to continue to give strength and guidance through Pope Leo," she said.

In conclusion, the election of Pope Leo XIV has ignited a wave of pride and optimism in Chicago. From lighthearted jokes and memes to serious discussions about workers’ rights and social justice, the city is united in its celebration of its homegrown pontiff. His background, values, and commitment to the marginalized offer hope for a brighter future for Chicago and the world.