Holy cow! Chicago just got a new kind of MVP—and this one wears white robes. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of the Windy City, has officially been elected the 267th pope, making him the first American in history to assume the role. He’ll be known as Pope Leo XIV, which sounds like a rock-solid name for blessing everything from communion to curveballs.
The white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel on the second day of conclave, signaling that the cardinals had made their decision. And yes, Chicago Catholics (and sports fans) everywhere were quick to ask:
From Chicago to the Chair of Saint Peter
At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings extensive global and pastoral experience to the role. After entering the Order of St. Augustine, he spent much of his ministry in Peru, serving for over a decade in Trujillo before being appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. He served in that role until 2023.
Most recently, he led the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican office responsible for the selection of bishops worldwide. His appointment to that role by Pope Francis was seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and theological balance.
Leo XIV also holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, and has been a Peruvian citizen since 2015. In previous interviews, he has described himself as a lifelong missionary.
“I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is,” he said in an interview with Vatican News.
The Election Process
Leo XIV was chosen by 133 voting cardinals, who were sequestered in the Vatican under strict conclave procedures. A two-thirds majority vote is required to elect a pope. The selection of an American, long considered unlikely due to the United States’ global political influence, marks a significant shift within the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to build upon Pope Francis’ reform efforts, including greater transparency in Vatican governance, a focus on social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities.
He now begins his pontificate as the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, guiding the Church through a time of both institutional challenge and global change.
First Blessings and Big Shoes
In his first public remarks as pope, Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis and offered his first blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, saying: “Peace be with you all.”
He continued: “Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome… Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
That’s a benediction with backbone—and one we could probably use.
What’s Next?
While Pope Leo XIV’s exact plans for the church are still unfolding, he’s expected to continue Pope Francis’ legacy of inclusivity and reform, with a strong focus on global outreach, compassion, and renewal.
But Chicagoans, naturally, have other pressing questions:
- Can Leo XIV intercede for a World Series appearance on the North Side?
- Could he bring peace (or at least playoff chances) to Cubs-Sox rivalries?
- Might he restore dynasty vibes to the Bulls, or perhaps inspire the Blackhawks’ next chapter?
One thing’s for sure: the Vatican just got a little more Chicago. And whether he’s delivering blessings or playoff prayers, Pope Leo XIV will always be our guy in Rome.
Big question: Does Chicago sell Italian Beef?
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360 News. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
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