Chicago celebrates as South Side-born Pope Leo XIV elevated to pontiff

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Of course, Chicagoans are celebrating the new pope at home in addition to people across the world.

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

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There's also excitement about what's ahead for the church.

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

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

Deeper meaning behind pope choosing name Leo

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.

RELATED: Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel

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.

RELATED: Chicago celebrates as South Side-born Pope Leo XIV' elevated to pontiff

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.

RELATED: Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected pope, taking name Leo XIV | What we know

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."

RELATED: Dolton neighbor told young Cardinal Robert Prevost he would be pope someday, New Lenox brother says

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.

RELATED: Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan

"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."