When the new Pope was elected in Rome this May, the world was in for a surprise. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was named history’s first American pope — and he’s from Chicago.

Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was born on Chicago’s South Side and grew up in South Suburban Dolton. And while he has a new home in Vatican City, he still has deep ties to the Chicago area, including his older brother and his favorite sports team.

The city, and Chicagoans around the world, erupted at the news that “Da Pope” would be the global leader of the Catholic Church. And if you want to join in the excitement, there are plenty of Chicago sites with connections to the newest pontiff.

Whether you’re looking to make a pilgrimage to the new pope’s childhood home or try a slice of what might be the world’s holiest pizza, here are all the Pope Leo-related places around Chicago.

Pope Leo’s Chicago childhood


On Sept. 14, 1955, Robert Prevost was born on Chicago’s South Side. He grew up in the Chicago area with his parents, Louis and Mildred, and his brothers, Louis and John.

Prevost’s parents were also born and raised in Chicago, according to Today. His mother was of Spanish descent and his father was of French and Italian descent, according to Vatican News.

His maternal grandparents were Creole from New Orleans, part of a wave of Louisiana Creoles and other groups who migrated to the Chicago area in the 20th century.

Here are some of the Chicago spots where Pope Leo spent his early years:

  • Prevost was born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, according to Block Club Chicago.
  • The future pope spent his early childhood in the suburb of Dolton, just south of Chicago’s city limits. Block Club Chicago reports that his childhood home still stands at 212 E. 141st Place.
  • Prevost’s childhood church was St. Mary of the Assumption Church at South Leyden Avenue and East 137th Street, according to the Chicago Tribune. The church is now shuttered, but the building and facade still stand.

Pope Leo’s life in Chicago as a priest

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, the future pope returned home to Chicago to pursue a path in the Catholic Church.

Prevost was ordained as a priest in 1982 and has connections to several churches and religious institutions throughout the Chicago area, according to reporting from Block Club Chicago.

  • Prevost studied for his Master of Divinity degree at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union from 1978 to 1982. During this time, he lived across the street from the school in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
  • While Prevost was attending Catholic Theological Union, he taught math part-time at Mendel Catholic Prep High School in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood, where his mother worked as a librarian and his brothers attended school.
  • Prevost also worked as a substitute teacher at several Chicago Catholic schools, including St. Rita of Cascia High School in the Ashburn neighborhood.
  • He was known to serve communion at St. Gabriel Catholic School on Chicago’s South Side, where his brother was the principal.

Explore more: Find historic and modern Catholic churches in Chicago.

Pope Leo’s favorite Chicago spots


While most of Pope Leo’s Chicago connections are based around his faith, many Chicagoans are dying to know about his more secular preferences — like Cubs or Sox, deep dish or tavern style? Here’s what’s been uncovered about the new pope’s top Chicago locales:

  • Chicago is a pizza town, and even the Pope has his favorites. The new pope has frequented Aurelio’s Pizza in the south suburb of Homewood, known for their famous thin crust pies.
  • It’s official — Pope Leo is a Chicago White Sox fan. Prevost’s brother confirmed the new pope’s allegiance to the South Side team, much to the chagrin of Chicago Cubs fans. He was even in attendance during the 2005 World Series, which the Sox won — call it divine intervention.
  • Not all is lost for the North Side team. Prevost’s mother, who had a significant influence on the pope’s Catholic faith, was a confirmed Cubs fan according to the New York Times.
  • The pope’s brother has said that the pontiff’s favorite food is steak, which means it’s likely that he’s dined at one of Chicago’s famous steakhouses.

Chicago specials for the new pope

As Chicago celebrates “Pope-a-palooza,” several local spots are offering fun specials to mark the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

  • “Da Pope” beer at Burning Bush Brewery: This local brewery in the North Center neighborhood has released a new “Da Pope” beer, an American mild ale.
  • “Pope-A-Roni Pizza” at Aurelio’s: The pope’s unofficial favorite pizza spot will soon be serving a pizza dedicated to Leo. They’ll also have a Pope table that dine-in guests can request.
  • “The Leo” at Portillo’s: No word on whether the pope is a fan of the Italian beef (a signature Chicago dish), but that isn’t stopping Portillo’s. The beloved fast food spot is offering The Leo, a “divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy” throughout May.