Pope Leo’s hometown Dolton was hit with economic hardship following the collapse of the steel industry on the Far South Side. But residents hope their new fame can spark opportunity.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield released a statement expressing profound joy and deep gratitude to God for the election.

In one of Chicago’s south suburbs, while other boys were playing cops and robbers, the future Pope Leo XIV would pretend to hold Mass in the basement of his family’s small brick home, reading from scripture and distributing disk-shaped candy wafers to his two older brothers.

Catholics are surprised and delighted in Chicago, where the church's influence persists despite declining numbers.

The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first-American pontiff shocked the world, and Chicago residents rejoiced in the Holy See’s ties to the Windy City.

ABC7's Liz went out to find Chicagoans visiting St. Peter's Square and some of Pope Leo's favorite local shops.

Da pope is a Chicagoan! The post Try These Iconic Chicago Foods In Honor Of The New Pope first appeared on Spoon University.

The newly named Leo will be a welcome voice, with a Midwestern accent, against the unchristian attitude of the present administration toward people fleeing oppression and persecution.

Globally, everyone is reacting to the newly-appointed Pope in the Catholic Church, and bishop of Rome. On Thursday, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named the new pope, he is the first American pope in history and will go by the name Pope Leo XIV who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.

The same auction house that sold President Trump’s childhood home for millions in 2017 will take bids for the modest three-bedroom where Pope Leo XIV once lived.