Chicago celebrates historic moment as one of its own becomes first American pope

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected to lead the Catholic Church.

(NBC)- This morning, the city of Chicago — famously known as the City of Big Shoulders — is embracing one of the biggest honors in its history: the election of one of its own as the first American pope. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected to lead the Catholic Church, sending bells ringing across Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral in celebration.

“It’s a day of great excitement for Chicago and the United States to have one of our own be elected as the Pope,” said Bishop Larry Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Pope Leo XIV, 69, was born in Chicago and raised in a southern suburb as the youngest of three boys. His older brother, Louis Prevost, recalled childhood memories that now seem prophetic.

“We’ve kind of known he was special, and we used to tease him about being pope when he was six years old,” Louis said.

He earned his Master’s in Divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where faculty and staff are reacting to the historic moment with awe and admiration.

“He’s very warm, very inclusive, very intelligent,” said Barbara Reid, President of the Union, reflecting on the former student who is now head of the global Catholic Church.

Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis, Leo XIV is widely expected to continue Francis’ legacy, emphasizing bridge-building and global openness. His first words as pope hinted at those themes — and his experience in Latin America, having spent many years serving in Peru, further grounds his international perspective.

“Very excited. An American who’s lived in Latin America. I never thought in my life I’d see an American pope,” said Timothy Kearney from New York.

Back in Washington, President Donald Trump also weighed in. “To have the pope from the United States, that is a great honor,” the president said from the White House.