First American pope elected as Leo XIV amid Chicago roots and team rivalries
- Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church as the first American pope.
- Previous to his papacy, Prevost served in important roles within the Church, including prefect of a key Vatican dicastery.
- Pope Leo XIV's election has sparked discussions about his Chicago roots and sports affiliations among local fans.
In a significant event for the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected as Pope Leo XIV. His election, announced on a Thursday, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first pope from the United States. Prevost, who is 69 years old, has had a distinguished career within the Church, having previously served as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops and as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Born in Chicago and raised in the Archdiocese, Prevost's experiences have shaped his approach to leadership. He is known for his humility and commitment to giving voice to the marginalized, mirroring Pope Francis' care for the needy. Church leaders noted that Prevost's integration of diverse perspectives—from Chicago's cultural landscape to his service in Peru—will enrich his papacy. Pope Leo XIV embraces his identity as a child of God, stepping into his global role with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Church worldwide. Following his election, both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox claimed his support, highlighting local team rivalries and generating humor in the media around the new pope's sports preferences.