From the Chicago Southland to the Vatican: Celebrating Our Own, Pope Leo XIV

Embark on an inspiring guided journey through the vibrant Chicago Southland as we honor and celebrate the life of our first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV. This adventure invites you to embrace the remarkable story of his life and explore the significant places that shaped him as a leader and a person.

On May 8, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the papal conclave and the election of Robert Prevost as the new pope, known as Pope Leo XIV. This moment brings hope and continuity in faith, reflecting his Chicago upbringing.

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood and raised in Dolton, has a deep connection to the area. His early faith experiences included serving as an altar boy and studying at the Catholic Theological Union. He taught at St. Rita of Cascia High School and Mendel Catholic High School, inspired by his family's commitment to Catholic education.

Your guided tour will begin at his charming childhood home, a warm and inviting place filled with memories. From there, we will visit the parishes and schools that played vital roles in his early life and discover the notable landmarks in Chicago that left a lasting impact on his journey. Along the way, take a moment to stop at one of his favorite souvenir shops and enjoy a delicious bite at a legendary hot dog spot or ChiSox Bar & Grill, where you can savor a taste of Chicago’s rich culture.

This is a 4-6-hour guided tour with minimal walking that takes you to the birthplace of a remarkable individual, allowing you to connect with his legacy. With thoughtful accommodations for restroom breaks, shopping and meals, we aim to create an unforgettable experience. Our flexible tour pricing ensures that everyone can embark on this inspiring journey.

To conclude this inspirational experience, we invite you to consider two fantastic options to treat your group to dinner.

Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood
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. After trying the Poperoni Pizza, don't forget to capture unforgettable memories at the “Pope’s Table,” complete with papal-inspired décor and the “Priest’s Chair.”

or

Nuns for Fun Entertainment
End the night with a scrumptious, sinful dinner and a show at Gaelic Park with the Nuns 4 Fun Entertainment.
**Please note: Itinerary may be modified to meet your group’s specific needs. Locations and selections are subject to availability. Please contact Tobie at [email protected] or 708-895-8200 to obtain current pricing and confirmation of dates and locations.