Peru, Chicago and Pope Leo XIV
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Before ascending to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — grew up in Chicago, spent decades in Peru, then arrived in Rome.
Catholics and non-Catholics alike were abuzz with excitement in Chicago May 8, after one of the city’s native sons became pope. Taking the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff has made many firsts.
Forget your traditional Italian popes sipping espresso; we’re talking deep-dish spirituality, tamales instead of pasta
Those who knew Pope Leo XIV as a younger man say his path to the papacy has prepared him well for the challenges ahead.
Robert Francis Prevost has become the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old from Chicago is the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church.
"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.
Taking the name Leo XIV, the American was elected to be the 267th pontiff and spiritual leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
Robert Prevost may have made history Thursday by becoming the first pope from the United States. But in Peru, he is known as the saintly missionary who waded through mud after torrential rains
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