Chicago celebrates as South Side-born Pope Leo XIV’ elevated to pontiff​on May 9, 2025 at 10:34 pm

CHICAGO (WLS) — Of course Chicagoans are celebrating the new pope at home as well.

Mass Friday morning at Holy Name Cathedral celebrated Pope Leo and prayed for his well-being.

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There’s also excitement, about what’s ahead for the church.

Worshipping together, the faithful filled the pews of Holy Name Cathedral to commemorate and pray for Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope born right here in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost.

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Father Stan Chu Ilo an associate professor at DePaul University and is an a scholar, a priest, and a global voice on Catholic thought and cultural understanding.

“I grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago and I understand how important it is to celebrate that to have that hometown pride,” Bishop Larry Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, said.

During his homily, Bishop Larry Sullivan said having a hometown pope is obviously a prideful moment for us Chicagoans, but added it should not be lost on believers the true meaning and significance of the pope’s role, serving as the leader of the Catholic Church around the world.

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The faithful at Holy Name were excited to see where Pope Leo takes the Catholic Church.

“It was shocking, chills I still do,” Terry O’Connor, who grew up near Prevost.

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O’Connor says he grew up around the corner from Prevost in south suburban Dolton. He said his phone was blowing up after the announcement.

“I think he’s a very you know kind person,” O’Connor said. “Caring about all people..”

A priest from the school Pope Leo XIV attended spoke on his election Friday.

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Holy Name Associate Pastor, Father Andy Matijevic, shared a special moment with Prevost nine years ago, when he visited Chicago, emceeing a Mass with the now pope at St. Rita of Cascia.

“When he walked out I said I know him,” Fr. Matijevic said. “I’ve served mass with him, I’ve seen him, I’ve talked with him and he’s from Chicago.”

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Matijevic can be seen in a picture here walking right behind the now head of the Holy See.

Matijevic said he remembers their time together fondly, still at a loss for words…for this monumental moment in Church history.

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“I can say I told the pope where to stand at Mass one time, yes,” said Matijevic said. “He’ll walk with people, he’ll meet them where they are at as Pope Francis has done for the past 12 years.”