ABC7 presents 'Leo XIV: Chicago's Pope'
Watch all 4 parts of special broadcast below
CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7 Chicago presented a special broadcast Saturday on Cardinal Robert Prevost's journey from the South Side to becoming Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City.
Rob Hughes and Karen Jordan hosted the special, with reports from Liz Nagy in Vatican City and Maher Kawash in Chicago.
Watch all four parts of the ABC7 special in the video players below.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Pope Leo XIV walked into the conclave this week as a cardinal and emerged as the pope.
Take a look at the life of the Chicago-born man who is now the head of the Catholic Church, from his humble roots on the South Side and the south suburbs where the faithful have been visiting to feel a connection to the pope.
ABC7 also showed the impact this Chicago connection has already had on businesses around the city and suburbs.
And also, there is the baseball rivalry. The pope was seen cheering on the White Sox at the 2005 World Series, but originally there was some confusion about his loyalties. ABC7 cleared it all up.
The historic week in Vatican City
It was a whirlwind of a week for Leo XIV, from taking part in the conclave to becoming pontiff.
On Saturday, the pope made his first trip outside the Vatican since the election, traveling to a sanctuary south of Rome. He also visited Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the late Pope Francis is buried. ABC7 was told he wanted to pay his respects.
Those two visits came after the pope presided over his first formal audience with the cardinals who elected him pope. He made it clear he wants the Catholic Church to be more inclusive and attentive to the faithful.
The Vatican beckons the world's religious pilgrims, but never more so than now, in a moment of pivotal transition for the centuries-old Catholic Church.
St. Peter's Square was frenetic.
ABC7 met Caleb Ham Tuesday at the Vatican. His well-timed year at Loyola Chicago Rome Center awakened his spirituality.
"It's really so special, monumental," Ham said.
Ham extended his year abroad to witness the mystique of the papal conclave.
"There's nothing like this in the world," Ham said. "It's not like a presidential election. It's something for an institution that's lasted for 2,000 years."
Behind Vatican walls, ancient ceremony remained in tact. But the process, long shrouded in secrecy, was suddenly viewed by the world. The Vatican pulled back the curtain on the conclave for the first time, showing cardinals swearing their oath of secrecy.
The doors locked shut early Tuesday evening, and 133 voting cardinals were left to pick their next pontiff in the privacy of the Sistine Chapel. About 3 hours and 14 minutes later, the outside world waited.
It didn't take long to see white smoke come out of the Sistine Chapel.
As if it was a sign young life was about to come to the church, a baby seagull sat perched on the chimney in the evening sun. And then, white smoke. It puffed from the Sistine Chapel and the crowd erupted.
With that ABC7 crews took off, a full tilt sprint through St. Peter's Square to snag a spot as the doors to the Loggia balcony flung open.
"Habemus Papum!"
It seemed no one was prepared for what came next.
"Roberto Fransiscum Prevosto."
And there he appeared.
"I heard people talk like, I keep hearing like, 'Chicago, Chicago,'" said Mia Mannion, a Chicago native and student Loyola Chicago Rome Center. "And I was like... 'is he from Chicago?' And then we finally got service, and we're like searching it up as fast as possible."
An American. A Chicagoan. A south suburbanite draped in papal vestitures. Robert Francis Prevost of Dolton was now Pope Leo XIV.
"He was crying. You could see his tears," said Kari Cote, a viewer at the Vatican. "I was in the front row... and you could see him just getting emotional."
And standing within reach of the new Chicago-born American Pontiff was Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, prominently featured in the historic moment for American Catholics.
"You could see, you know, he made that wonderful image," Cupich said. "He said that God embraces you just like the arms of the colonnade embrace everybody there."
Released from the weight of choosing the Catholic Church's ideal leader, six American cardinals felt free to speak Friday afternoon, eager to let off a little steam.
"This is my first conclave, and I hope my last," Cupich said. "Viva papa."
Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, a former priest at St. Alphonsus in Lake View, said it became clear pretty quickly that the man they had known as "Cardinal Bob" was their man.
"As best as I can say this is the one.... took a look at Bob," Tobin said. "He had his head in his hands. I was praying for him because I couldn't imagine what happens to human being. When he accepted it's like it was made for him... wasn't simply saying yes to a proposal.. God had made something clear."
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, born in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, was immensely proud. His voice broke.
"From one South Sider of Chicago to another... promise you my fidelity and my love," Gregory said.
A South Side priest turned global citizen, Pope Leo XIV now faces the challenges of a head of state in a deeply-fractured political world.
"You have called me to carry that cross, and to carry out that mission, and I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me," the pope said in his first homily.
As Ham departs Rome to return to the new pontiff's home city, he'll be following Pope Leo's footsteps in reverse.
"I want to go to the church where he he went to church, and just see how, how his life grew in Chicago," Ham said. "And maybe I can model myself after that a little."
Holy Name Cathedral celebrates Chicago-born pope
In Chicago, 15 permanent Catholic deacons were ordained during a service Saturday morning at Holy Name Cathedral.
The vicar general led the service because Cardinal Blase Cupich has been in Rome for the conclave and activities there.
Holy Name has been at the center of this historic moment for the Catholic Church and for Chicago. Many tourists have been visiting the church and taking pictures of the sign outside that talks about the Chicago-native pope.
After the new pope was announced, the church removed the black bunting outside mourning the death of Pope Francis. It put up white and gold bunting in its place, a planned celebration of a new pope.
The church had no idea that pope would be from our city. Mass had just started at Holy Name Cathedral when the announcement of the pope was made on Thursday.
The pope's background
The new pope's life started in Chicago, but he has spent his career around the world. He's served in leadership roles in Chicago, Peru, and at the Vatican in a career that all began in Illinois.
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955 as Robert Prevost. He was raised in south suburban Dolton and attended St. Mary's.
After graduating from St. Augustine High School Seminary, he attended Villanova University, receiving a bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He received several upper degrees including a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Prevost was ordained as a priest on June 19, 1982.
From 1985-1986, he worked in the mission in Peru. Prevost mostly served in Peru until returning to Chicago in the late 90s to lead the Augustinians' Midwest province. He was elected twice as the order's top leader.
In 2013, he returned to Peru. Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Chiclayo.
In Peru, Prevost was known as a saintly missionary who would wade through mud after rain to bring people much needed supplies. He spear-headed the life-saving purchase of oxygen production plants during the pandemic.
In 2023, Pope Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations.
Following Pope Francis' death, Prevost started to emerge as one of the front-runners for the papacy in the days before the conclave began.
After one of the shortest conclaves in history, with white smoke appearing on just the second day. Pope Leo XIV from Chicago was introduced to the world, stepping out onto the balcony and waving to the faithful for the first time as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The pope's brothers react to his rise to pontiff
The moment an American pope was introduced brought so much pride to Americans in Italy and in Chicago.
The pope's two older brothers were among those watching. One brother lives in Florida, the other in New Lenox, and he said he knew his brother would become a priest but can't believe he's now the pope.
"I got the phone call that there was white smoke coming out of the chimney in Rome so I went downstairs, turned on the television," John Prevost said.
John Prevost is one of the older brothers of Pope Leo XIV. He was sitting in his New Lenox home Thursday when the news broke that there was a new pope. Then, they announced his brother's name.
"I was in a period of disbelief and then as he came out to talk then we knew this was real," John Prevost said. "And I guess a sense of tremendous pride came over me."
John is the middle brother, the new pope is the youngest. Their older brother lives in Florida.
John was able to get in touch with Louis, after their baby brother was elected pope.
"I suspect we won't be talking quite as much anymore, but who knows, he's the pope," Louis Prevost said. "He can do what he wants."
John spoke on what type of pope Leo XIV will be.
"I honestly tell you, I think he will be a second Pope Francis," Prevost said. "I think he's got great concern for the plight of the poor, for the downtrodden, for the people who don't have a voice, so I think I think you'll see that kind of action going on."
The pope's friends share memories of "Father Bob"
This week, ABC7 spoke to a former classmate of the pope at St. Mary's in Dolton, Noelle Neis. Their families sat together during Mass. She hopes he will be a pope for the people.
The pope celebrated mass at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox last August. The school's president attended seminary with the pope-to-be.
As news of a Chicago-born pope spread, South Siders with personal connections to "his holiness" celebrated a man they know simply as "Father Bob."
Heidi Skokal said her father, Ed Schmit, knew Father Bob through St. Rita of Cascia. Father Bob was a constant presence in her life. He went to her home to bless her son when he was born five weeks early. Father Bob married her sister and brother-in-law and even attended the World Series with his friend.
Skokal said her father's friendship with Father Bob lasted all the way through his final days.
When the conclave began, some seniors at St. Rita had an assignment: research the candidates for pope. Two students were assigned then-cardinal Robert Prevost and delivered their presentation after learning he'd been elected.
Pope Leo XIV received his vows at St. Rita back in 2013.
Students said they find the unexpected connection between the pope and their school inspiring. Pope Leo is also an honorary alumnus of the school.
And here's a fun fact about the new pope: he speaks many languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
The pope's connections to the South Side, south suburbs and Augustinian Order
The faithful have been flocking to a home in south suburban Dolton, reported to be the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV.
Many are now hoping the home will be preserved.
The home had recently been listed for sale, but that posting has been removed. It's unclear what the owner's plans are.
People have also been visiting Saint Mary of Assumption Church on the South Side. That's the church the pope went to growing up. He also attended school there.
There's now an effort underway to landmark the church and the area around it. Many are hoping the vacant church can be rebuilt, and the building's owner, Joe Hall, said that's his goal.
Some are hoping that maybe the pope will return to the building once it has been fixed up.
The pope received his masters in divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He kept close ties to the school.
The school's president, Sister Barbara Reid, was even invited to Rome when he was elevated to Cardinal. She said she can't believe he's now the pope. Reid is excited to have a pope who shares the school's ideology.
Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian pope. ABC7 talked with an Augustinian pastor in Chicago to learn how that background could shape his papacy. Father Homero Sanchez has met the pope multiple times.
The significance of the pope's name
Leo is the 5th most popular name chosen by popes, and the papal name could symbolize Pope Leo XIV's goals as pontiff.
Michael Canaris, an Associate Professor at Loyola University, joined ABC7 to discuss the significance of the name choice.
Canaris also explained some of the issues the Catholic Church is facing that the pope will have to address, and what impact the pope could have on international relations
Chicago embraces new pope, impact on pop culture
There was a fun message of congratulations from Old National Bank for the pope, saying "Chicago is so proud!" The billboard along the Kennedy Expressway then changes to "Deep Dish now available in Rome." It's not the only fun pop culture impact ABC7 has seen.
The Chicago White Sox immediately jumped into action this week after learning the new pope is a White Sox fan, and they put message up at Rate Field.
There was confusion earlier in the day following reports Pope Leo XIV was a Cubs fan. His mother is from the North Side and those relatives are Cubs fans. The Cubs jumped on those reports right away.
However, the White Sox said family knows best and released pictures of special "Pope Leo #14" custom jerseys.
Now custom jersey sales are booming for one shop. It's one of the many tributes across the city. It seems businesses across the city and suburbs are showing off their connections to the pope.
Pope Leo memes have taken over social media as Chicagoans are celebrating one of their very own. From the front page of the Chicago Sun Times dubbing him as Da Pope to the Onion honoring the first "Chicago Style" Pope. Leo XIV has certainly given people across the city plenty to brag about.
"We actually couldn't believe it, it was a total surprise," said Richard Rogulich, owner of Ballpark Pub.
Businesses from the South Side to the North Side have been rushing to create tributes in honor of Pope Leo.
Bennison's Bakery in Evanston crafted up pope cookies and they have been a hot commodity.
"I was kind of shocked I mean immediately people were buying them," baker Phoebe Casey said. "I checked recently and we've sold around 100 just within the last 12 hours."
Aurelio's Pizza is feeling proud, sharing a photo of when Pope Leo visited their Homewood restaurant back in August of 2024.
After much debate over the Pope's baseball fandom, his brother confirmed he is a Sox fan. The team was quick to honor that inside the stadium.
"Finally some great news, I mean come on that's huge," Josh Ganal said. "Definitely a blessing on the South Side to say the least."
Josh and Stephanie Ganal are the owners of Grandstand Sports, where they have been pumping out custom Pope Leo jerseys. They said this is the kind of news their fanbase needed, and they're ready for him to pay a visit to the South Side.
"Now we just need him to come throw out the first pitch," Ganal said. "That just solidifies everything. In his custom Sox jersey."
Bars near Rate Field are also embracing the new head of the Catholic Church in the most Chicago way possible, with a $5 pope special at Ballpark Pub.
"Our special here is the 'Chicago Handshake,' a shot of Malort and a can of Old Style," Rogulich said. "$5 all weekend until Sunday, come one come all."
There are certainly many tributes across the city that people can take part in honoring Pope Leo XIV. Sox fans are hoping some divine intervention can help turn the ballclub around.
However, maybe the debate shouldn't have been about baseball at all. Apparently the new pope loves tennis. He told the Augustinian Order in 2023 he considers himself "quite the amateur tennis player."
Portillo's is getting in on the fun too, naming their classic Italian beef "The Leo" for the rest of May.
An adorable moment from when the new pope was announced has gone viral around the world. Students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lake View were jumping for joy when the new pope was announced Thursday. When they learned the new pope has ties to Chicago, they started waiving around the city flag.
What's next for the pope?
The pope has a busy schedule in the coming days.
Sunday, there's a noon prayer in Rome. Monday, he's meeting with the World Press. Next Sunday, May 18, he will be formally installed as pope and hold his inaugural public Mass in Saint Peter's Square.
Pope Leo XIV's first general audience will be Wednesday, May 21.
