Move over, mob tours—Chicago’s newest sightseeing sensation is all about the real boss: the pope. Starting this August, the Chicago Pope Tour invites you to hop on a four-hour guided bus ride to explore the South Side roots of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff and a proud son of the Windy City.
RECOMMENDED: This is apparently Pope Leo's favorite Chicago pizza joint
Born Robert Prevost at Mercy Hospital and raised near Dolton in the St. Mary of the Assumption Church parish, Leo XIV's unlikely journey from Chicago kid to leader of the Catholic Church is the stuff of local legend. Now, it’s a fully narrated experience, with pizza included. (Duh.)
The tour starts and ends in Lincoln Park, looping through major stops from the pope’s early life from his childhood home to his parish church and seminary. Guides share behind-the-scenes stories, lesser-known facts and even a few papal puns.
"Before he led millions, the Pope was just another Chicagoan," the tour website said. "Our unique bus tour hits the real places where he lived, studied, prayed—and yes, ate."
But what’s a pilgrimage without pizza? Each ticket includes a slice at Aurelio’s, the beloved south suburban institution and one of Leo’s favorite haunts. They've even added a cheeky "Pope-a-Roni" pizza to the menu in his honor. (Despite the recent closure of their Chicago location, suburban pride still stands.)
Tour tickets are $59 on weekdays and $79 on weekends. The price covers transportation, a live guide, bottled water and the aforementioned holy slice. Tours run rain or shine, and they do fill up fast—so punctuality and early booking are key.
Whether you’re a history buff, lapsed Catholic, Chicago superfan or just here for the pizza, the Chicago Pope Tour promises an unexpected, feel-good ride through one of the city’s most quietly remarkable stories.
Tours begin August 2025. Book now at chicagopopetour.com.