Chicago reacts to the election of Pope Leo XIV

Chicago knows how to celebrate its heroes—just ask the five million people who showed up for the 2016 Cubs parade. Now, the city is throwing spiritual confetti for its latest hometown legend: Pope Leo XIV. Born Robert Prevost on the South Side, the 69-year-old former cardinal shocked the world (and probably himself) by becoming the first American pope, and Chicagoans are feeling it.

From Holy Name Cathedral downtown to the gutted shell of St. Mary of the Assumption on the far Southeast Side—where the new pope once served as an altar boy—Chicago Catholics and curious onlookers gathered to honor a leader whose roots run deep in the city’s Catholic tradition.

"When they said the new Pope was an American, I flipped out, I said 'no way'!" Mary Simons, a French teacher and Chicago resident, told the BBC. “I'm hoping that this will rejuvenate the church and make it bigger and better.”

According to The Guardian, local students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel waved flags in their cafeteria, shouting “Habemus Papam!” when the white smoke rose in Rome. “It really feels like a 2016 Cubs World Series,” seventh-grader Vincent Wall told the outlet.

The news brought more than nostalgia. For some, it was spiritual validation in a time of Catholic contraction. The Chicago archdiocese has closed over 100 parishes recently, per ABC, and scandals continue to cast a shadow. But Pope Leo’s election, many say, is a chance for a fresh start.

“I loved that he [Francis] just embraced everyone, especially the poor and downtrodden, and he was a people's pope,” Janet Fink, a parishioner at Holy Name, told The Guardian. “I hope Pope Leo continues to be the people's pope.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson declared, “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago,” while the Chicago Cubs and White Sox both jokingly claimed Leo XIV as a fan. (His brother insists he’s a Sox man, reports NBC News.)

Even non-Catholics like Kara Baekey felt drawn in by the moment. “It feel like it’s kind of magical to be here in Chicago today,” she told The Guardian. “I hope this pope will help take our country on the correct path.”

And while solemn prayers and teary tributes filled churches across the city, Chicago’s social media feeds lit up with something else: pure, unfiltered joy—with a side of trademark wit. From Malört memes to deep-dish papal blessings, locals wasted no time welcoming “Da Pope” the only way they know how. Here are a few of our faves: