Hometown Holiness

On May 8, 2025, Chicagoans celebrated a historic moment when Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in the Windy City, became the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.

Born in the City of Chicago on September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost (now known as Pope Leo XIV), grew up in the Chicago Southland in a single-family brick home with his parents, Louis Marius Prevost and Mildred Martínez, and his brothers, Louis Martín and John Joseph.

The pope’s childhood home still stands today, located at 212 East 141st Place in the Village of Dolton. Prior to his election to the papacy, the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV was for sale, but has since been purchased by the Village, with plans to preserve the house’s history and convert it into a historic site open to the public.

Having grown up in the Chicagoland area, it’s no surprise that Pope Leo XIV is a bona fide pizza lover. His favorite local spot was Aurelio’s Pizza (18162 Harwood Avenue, Homewood), Chicago’s oldest pizza chain and the world’s largest pizzeria. In fact, Pope Leo XIV loved Aurelio’s so much, the restaurant honored him with a new pie: the Poperoni™ Pizza, a traditional pepperoni pizza topped with a layer of cup and crisp pepperoni, giving the dish extra heat, crunch and flavor. Aurelio’s even has a “Pope’s Table,” complete with papal-inspired décor and the “Priest’s Chair.”

Shortly after his election last May, local favorite Portillo’s launched an exclusive sandwich in celebration of Pope Leo XIV, aptly named “The Leo.” Portillo’s announced the sandwich to the world in a perfect pope-meets-beef fashion: “In the name of the gravy, the bun and hot giard (giardiniera) – we introduce The Leo: divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy.” Although the sandwich was only available for a limited time, it was an instant favorite on the iconic Portillo’s menu. For more permanent offerings, be sure to visit Portillo’s in Homewood (17500 South Halsted Street) or Crestwood (13130 South Cicero Avenue).

Following in true South Side tradition, Pope Leo XIV is a devout fan of the Chicago White Sox (Rate Field, 333 West 35th Street, Chicago). In 2005, the pope attended the World Series, during which the White Sox swept the Houston Astros in four games, resulting in the first World Series victory for the South Siders in nearly 90 years. During a public appearance at the Vatican last June, the pope was even seen donning a White Sox hat! A beautiful brick mural depicting the pope was unveiled at Rate Field last summer, honoring the world’s most famous White Sox fan.

From the South Side to the Vatican, Chicagoland natives can take pride in knowing that their native son not only made history on the world stage, but also carries a lifelong love for the flavors, sports and neighborhoods of his hometown.