CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago introduced a particular broadcast Saturday on Cardinal Robert Prevost’s journey from the South Aspect to turning into Pope Leo XIV in Vatican Metropolis.
Rob Hughes and Karen Jordan hosted the particular, with reviews from Liz Nagy in Vatican Metropolis and Maher Kawash in Chicago.
Watch all 4 elements of the ABC7 particular within the video gamers under.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click on right here to observe
Pope Leo XIV walked into the conclave this week as a cardinal and emerged because the pope.
Check out the lifetime of the Chicago-born man who’s now the top of the Catholic Church, from his humble roots on the South Aspect and the south suburbs the place the trustworthy have been visiting to really feel a connection to the pope.
ABC7 additionally confirmed the impression this Chicago connection has already had on companies across the metropolis and suburbs.
And likewise, there may be the baseball rivalry. The pope was seen cheering on the White Sox on the 2005 World Collection, however initially there was some confusion about his loyalties. ABC7 cleared all of it up.
The historic week in Vatican Metropolis
ABC7 took a take a look at Pope Leo XIV’s historic week in Vatican Metropolis, his background, and response from his brothers and pals.
It was a whirlwind of every week for Leo XIV, from participating within the conclave to turning into pontiff.
On Saturday, the pope made his first journey outdoors the Vatican because the election, touring to a sanctuary south of Rome. He additionally visited Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Main, the place the late Pope Francis is buried. ABC7 was instructed he wished to pay his respects.
These two visits got here after the pope presided over his first formal viewers with the cardinals who elected him pope. He made it clear he needs the Catholic Church to be extra inclusive and attentive to the trustworthy.
The Vatican beckons the world’s spiritual pilgrims, however by no means extra so than now, in a second of pivotal transition for the centuries-old Catholic Church.
St. Peter’s Sq. was frenetic.
ABC7 met Caleb Ham Tuesday on the Vatican. His well-timed yr at Loyola Chicago Rome Middle woke up his spirituality.
“It is actually so particular, monumental,” Ham mentioned.
Ham prolonged his yr overseas to witness the mystique of the papal conclave.
“There’s nothing like this on the planet,” Ham mentioned. “It isn’t like a presidential election. It is one thing for an establishment that is lasted for two,000 years.”
Behind Vatican partitions, historic ceremony remained in tact. However the course of, lengthy shrouded in secrecy, was instantly considered by the world. The Vatican pulled again the curtain on the conclave for the primary time, exhibiting cardinals swearing their oath of secrecy.
The doorways locked shut early Tuesday night, and 133 voting cardinals have been left to select their subsequent pontiff within the privateness of the Sistine Chapel. About 3 hours and 14 minutes later, the surface world waited.
It did not take lengthy to see white smoke come out of the Sistine Chapel.
As if it was an indication younger life was about to come back to the church, a child seagull sat perched on the chimney within the night solar. After which, white smoke. It puffed from the Sistine Chapel and the group erupted.
With that ABC7 crews took off, a full tilt dash via St. Peter’s Sq. to snag a spot because the doorways to the Loggia balcony flung open.
“Habemus Papum!”
It appeared nobody was ready for what got here subsequent.
“Roberto Fransiscum Prevosto.”
And there he appeared.
“I heard folks discuss like, I preserve listening to like, ‘Chicago, Chicago,'” mentioned Mia Mannion, a Chicago native and pupil Loyola Chicago Rome Middle. “And I used to be like… ‘is he from Chicago?’ After which we lastly bought service, and we’re like looking out it up as quick as potential.”
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 possibly see his tears,” mentioned Kari Cote, a viewer on the Vatican. “I used to be within the entrance row… and you would see him simply getting emotional.”
And standing inside attain of the brand new Chicago-born American Pontiff was Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, prominently featured within the historic second for American Catholics.
“You could possibly see, you understand, he made that great picture,” Cupich mentioned. “He mentioned that God embraces you identical to the arms of the colonnade embrace all people there.”
Launched from the load of selecting the Catholic Church’s supreme chief, six American cardinals felt free to talk Friday afternoon, desperate to let off a bit of steam.
“That is my first conclave, and I hope my final,” Cupich mentioned. “Viva papa.”
Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, a former priest at St. Alphonsus in Lake View, mentioned it turned clear fairly rapidly that the person that they had often known as “Cardinal Bob” was their man.
“As greatest as I can say that is the one…. took a take a look at Bob,” Tobin mentioned. “He had his head in his fingers. I used to be praying for him as a result of I could not think about what occurs to human being. When he accepted it is prefer it was made for him… wasn’t merely saying sure to a proposal.. God had made one thing 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 a different… promise you my constancy and my love,” Gregory mentioned.
A South Aspect priest turned international citizen, Pope Leo XIV now faces the challenges of a head of state in a deeply-fractured political world.
“You have got referred to as me to hold that cross, and to hold out that mission, and I do know I can depend on each considered one of you to stroll with me,” the pope mentioned in his first homily.
As Ham departs Rome to return to the brand new pontiff’s house metropolis, he’ll be following Pope Leo’s footsteps in reverse.
“I wish to go to the church the place he he went to church, and simply see how, how his life grew in Chicago,” Ham mentioned. “And perhaps I can mannequin myself after that a bit of.”
Holy Title Cathedral celebrates Chicago-born pope
In Chicago, 15 everlasting Catholic deacons have been ordained throughout a service Saturday morning at Holy Title Cathedral.
The vicar normal led the service as a result of Cardinal Blase Cupich has been in Rome for the conclave and actions there.
Holy Title has been on the middle of this historic second for the Catholic Church and for Chicago. Many vacationers have been visiting the church and taking footage of the signal outdoors that talks in regards to the Chicago-native pope.
After the brand new pope was introduced, the church eliminated the black bunting outdoors mourning the loss of life of Pope Francis. It put up white and gold bunting as an alternative, a deliberate celebration of a brand new pope.
The church had no concept that pope could be from our metropolis. Mass had simply began at Holy Title Cathedral when the announcement of the pope was made on Thursday.
The pope’s background
The brand new pope’s life began in Chicago, however he has spent his profession around the globe. He is served in management roles in Chicago, Peru, and on the Vatican in a profession that every one started 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 Excessive College Seminary, he attended Villanova College, receiving a bachelor of Science in Arithmetic. He acquired a number of higher levels together with a Grasp of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Prevost was ordained as a priest on June 19, 1982.
From 1985-1986, he labored within the mission in Peru. Prevost largely served in Peru till returning to Chicago within the late 90s to steer the Augustinians’ Midwest province. He was elected twice because the order’s high chief.
In 2013, he returned to Peru. Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Chiclayo.
In Peru, Prevost was often known as a saintly missionary who would wade via mud after rain to deliver folks a lot wanted provides. He spear-headed the life-saving buy of oxygen manufacturing vegetation through the pandemic.
In 2023, Pope Francis introduced Prevost to the Vatican because the highly effective head of the workplace that vets bishop nominations.
Following Pope Francis’ loss of life, Prevost began to emerge as one of many front-runners for the papacy within the days earlier than the conclave started.
After one of many shortest conclaves in historical past, with white smoke showing on simply the second day. Pope Leo XIV from Chicago was launched to the world, stepping out onto the balcony and waving to the trustworthy for the primary time as the brand new chief of the Catholic Church.
The pope’s brothers react to his rise to pontiff
The second an American pope was launched introduced a lot satisfaction to Individuals in Italy and in Chicago.
The pope’s two older brothers have been amongst these watching. One brother lives in Florida, the opposite in New Lenox, and he mentioned he knew his brother would turn out to be a priest however cannot imagine he is now the pope.
“I bought the cellphone name that there was white smoke popping out of the chimney in Rome so I went downstairs, turned on the tv,” John Prevost mentioned.
John Prevost is among the older brothers of Pope Leo XIV. He was sitting in his New Lenox house Thursday when the information broke that there was a brand new pope. Then, they introduced his brother’s identify.
“I used to be in a interval of disbelief after which as he got here out to speak then we knew this was actual,” John Prevost mentioned. “And I assume a way of super satisfaction came to visit me.”
John is the center brother, the brand new pope is the youngest. Their older brother lives in Florida.
John was capable of get in contact with Louis, after their child brother was elected pope.
“I believe we can’t be speaking fairly as a lot anymore, however who is aware of, he is the pope,” Louis Prevost mentioned. “He can do what he needs.”
John spoke on what sort of pope Leo XIV can be.
“I actually let you know, I believe he can be a second Pope Francis,” Prevost mentioned. “I believe he is bought nice concern for the plight of the poor, for the downtrodden, for the individuals who do not have a voice, so I believe I believe you will see that sort of motion happening.”
The pope’s pals share reminiscences of “Father Bob”
This week, ABC7 spoke to a former classmate of the pope at St. Mary’s in Dolton, Noelle Neis. Their households sat collectively throughout Mass. She hopes he can be a pope for the folks.
The pope celebrated mass at Windfall Catholic Excessive College in New Lenox final August. The varsity’s president attended seminary with the pope-to-be.
As information of a Chicago-born pope unfold, South Siders with private connections to “his holiness” celebrated a person they know merely as “Father Bob.”
Heidi Skokal mentioned her father, Ed Schmit, knew Father Bob via St. Rita of Cascia. Father Bob was a relentless presence in her life. He went to her house to bless her son when he was born 5 weeks early. Father Bob married her sister and brother-in-law and even attended the World Collection together with his buddy.
Skokal mentioned her father’s friendship with Father Bob lasted all through his remaining days.
When the conclave started, some seniors at St. Rita had an project: analysis the candidates for pope. Two college students have been assigned then-cardinal Robert Prevost and delivered their presentation after studying he’d been elected.
Pope Leo XIV acquired his vows at St. Rita again in 2013.
College students mentioned they discover the sudden connection between the pope and their college inspiring. Pope Leo can be an honorary alumnus of the college.
And here is a enjoyable reality in regards to the new pope: he speaks many languages, together with English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
The pope’s connections to the South Aspect, south suburbs and Augustinian Order
ABC7 took a take a look at Pope Leo XIV’s connections to the South Aspect, the south suburbs and the Augustinian Order.
The trustworthy have been flocking to a house in south suburban Dolton, reported to be the childhood house of Pope Leo XIV.
Many at the moment are hoping the house can be preserved.
The house had lately been listed on the market, however that posting has been eliminated. It is unclear what the proprietor’s plans are.
Individuals have additionally been visiting Saint Mary of Assumption Church on the South Aspect. That is the church the pope went to rising up. He additionally attended college there.
There’s now an effort underway to landmark the church and the world round it. Many are hoping the vacant church could be rebuilt, and the constructing’s proprietor, Joe Corridor, mentioned that is his objective.
Some are hoping that perhaps the pope will return to the constructing as soon as it has been fastened up.
The pope acquired his masters in divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He stored shut ties to the college.
The varsity’s president, Sister Barbara Reid, was even invited to Rome when he was elevated to Cardinal. She mentioned she will’t imagine he is now the pope. Reid is happy to have a pope who shares the college’s ideology.
Pope Leo XIV is the primary Augustinian pope. ABC7 talked with an Augustinian pastor in Chicago to learn the way that background might form his papacy. Father Homero Sanchez has met the pope a number of occasions.
The importance of the pope’s identify
ABC7 took a take a look at Pope Leo XIV’s selection of papal identify and its significance, and his potential impression and legacy.
Leo is the fifth hottest identify chosen by popes, and the papal identify might symbolize Pope Leo XIV’s targets as pontiff.
Michael Canaris, an Affiliate Professor at Loyola College, joined ABC7 to debate the importance of the identify selection.
Canaris additionally defined among the points the Catholic Church is going through that the pope must handle, and what impression the pope might have on worldwide relations
Chicago embraces new pope, impression on popular culture
ABC7 took a take a look at Chicago’s celebration of Pope Leo XIV and his impression on popular culture, in addition to what’s subsequent for the brand new pope.
There was a enjoyable message of congratulations from Previous Nationwide Financial institution for the pope, saying “Chicago is so proud!” The billboard alongside the Kennedy Expressway then adjustments to “Deep Dish now obtainable in Rome.” It isn’t the one enjoyable popular culture impression ABC7 has seen.
The Chicago White Sox instantly jumped into motion this week after studying the brand new pope is a White Sox fan, and so they put message up at Fee Discipline.
There was confusion earlier within the day following reviews Pope Leo XIV was a Cubs fan. His mom is from the North Aspect and people relations are Cubs followers. The Cubs jumped on these reviews instantly.
Nevertheless, the White Sox mentioned household is aware of greatest and launched footage of particular “Pope Leo #14” customized jerseys.
Now customized jersey gross sales are booming for one store. It is one of many many tributes throughout town. It appears companies throughout town and suburbs are exhibiting off their connections to the pope.
Pope Leo memes have taken over social media as Chicagoans are celebrating considered one of their very personal. From the entrance web page of the Chicago Solar Occasions dubbing him as Da Pope to the Onion honoring the primary “Chicago Fashion” Pope. Leo XIV has definitely given folks throughout town loads to brag about.
“We really could not imagine it, it was a complete shock,” mentioned Richard Rogulich, proprietor of Ballpark Pub.
Companies from the South Aspect to the North Aspect have been speeding to create tributes in honor of Pope Leo.
Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston crafted up pope cookies and so they have been a scorching commodity.
“I used to be sort of shocked I imply instantly folks have been shopping for them,” baker Phoebe Casey mentioned. “I checked lately and we have offered round 100 simply inside the final 12 hours.”
Aurelio’s Pizza is feeling proud, sharing a photograph of when Pope Leo visited their Homewood restaurant again in August of 2024.
After a lot debate over the Pope’s baseball fandom, his brother confirmed he’s a Sox fan. The crew was fast to honor that contained in the stadium.
“Lastly some nice information, I imply come on that is enormous,” Josh Ganal mentioned. “Positively a blessing on the South Aspect to say the least.”
Josh and Stephanie Ganal are the homeowners of Grandstand Sports activities, the place they’ve been pumping out customized Pope Leo jerseys. They mentioned that is the sort of information their fanbase wanted, and so they’re prepared for him to pay a go to to the South Aspect.
“Now we simply want him to come back throw out the primary pitch,” Ganal mentioned. “That simply solidifies all the pieces. In his customized Sox jersey.”
Bars close to Fee Discipline are additionally embracing the brand new head of the Catholic Church in probably the most Chicago manner potential, with a $5 pope particular at Ballpark Pub.
“Our particular right here is the ‘Chicago Handshake,’ a shot of Malort and a can of Previous Fashion,” Rogulich mentioned. “$5 all weekend till Sunday, come one come all.”
There are definitely many tributes throughout town that folks can participate in honoring Pope Leo XIV. Sox followers are hoping some divine intervention will help flip the ballclub round.
Nevertheless, perhaps the controversy should not have been about baseball in any respect. Apparently the brand new pope loves tennis. He instructed the Augustinian Order in 2023 he considers himself “fairly the newbie tennis participant.”
Portillo’s is getting in on the enjoyable too, naming their traditional Italian beef “The Leo” for the remainder of Could.
An lovable second from when the brand new pope was introduced has gone viral around the globe. College students at Our Girl of Mount Carmel in Lake View have been leaping for pleasure when the brand new pope was introduced Thursday. After they realized the brand new pope has ties to Chicago, they began waiving across the metropolis flag.
What’s subsequent for the pope?
The pope has a busy schedule in the approaching days.
Sunday, there is a midday prayer in Rome. Monday, he is assembly with the World Press. Subsequent Sunday, Could 18, he can be formally put in as pope and maintain his inaugural public Mass in Saint Peter’s Sq..
Pope Leo XIV’s first normal viewers can be Wednesday, Could 21.
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