It still may be hard to believe, but the new pope is from Chicago. In just a few days, those who consider Pope Leo XIV their own are headed to Rome for his installation ceremony. Six Augustinians from the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park,

"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

Many sites associated with past popes have become museums or holy destinations for the faithful. But Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church closed years ago.

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

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

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said he expects Pope Leo XIV "feels an obligation," to speak to what he called the issues of the day, amid "real challenges globally."

He succeeds Pope Francis, who died April 21 ... is of French and Italian descent, according to a news release from the Vatican, and his mother, Mildred Martínez, is of Spanish descent. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported his father was an educator ...

Robert Francis Prevost, now officially known as Pope Leo XIV, recently made history as the first American to ascend to the Throne of Saint Peter—and in celebration of his Chicago roots, a Windy City restaurant chain is honoring the new pope by naming a dish after him.

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.

As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new job in the Vatican, Catholics everywhere continue to celebrate, including in the La Grange area.