The election of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has ignited a wave of excitement and pride across the south suburbs of Chicago, particularly in Dolton, the community that shaped his early life. As the world welcomes the first American pontiff, leaders in the Chicago Archdiocese, including Cardinal Blase Cupich, are emphasizing Pope Leo XIV’s deep roots in the region and the unique perspective he brings to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, was born in Chicago and spent his formative years in Dolton, attending local schools and St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Riverdale. His connection to the area is a significant point of local identity. Residents recall a dedicated young man whose path in the Catholic Church began in the familiar surroundings of the south suburbs.
“It’s an extraordinary moment for Dolton and for the entire Archdiocese of Chicago,” stated Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. “Pope Leo XIV is a son of this soil. He grew up here, was formed in our parishes and schools, and that experience undoubtedly shaped him into the shepherd he is today.”
Cardinal Cupich, who worked closely with Pope Leo XIV when the latter served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, highlighted the new Pope’s qualities and vision. “I’ve known Robert Prevost for several years, especially through our work together at the Dicastery for Bishops,” Cardinal Cupich said in recent interviews. “He is a hard worker, multilingual, and deeply understands different cultures, having lived and served on three continents.”
According to reports, including from CBS News and America Magazine, Cardinal Cupich was confident that Pope Leo XIV would continue the legacy of Pope Francis, particularly in areas of social justice and church reform. Cardinal Cupich expects the new Pope to be a strong voice on critical issues facing the world.
“I think he’s going to be a voice for all of those things, simply because we’re talking about, in many ways, the survival of the human race,” Cardinal Cupich said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” He added that Pope Leo XIV “feels an obligation” to speak to the issues of the day, including immigration and climate change, issues that Cardinal Cupich noted are central to the Catholic Church’s teachings and are deeply felt in diverse communities like Chicago.
The Pope’s background is seen as particularly relevant in this regard. While the Vatican has not officially commented on recent reports of potential Black ancestry through his mother’s family, first reported by the BBC, this aspect of his heritage has sparked reflection and conversation within Black Catholic communities. If true, it adds another layer to the rich tapestry of identities that have contributed to the Catholic Church’s history, even if those contributions have not always been widely recognized.
For many Black Catholics and African Americans in the south suburbs, the possibility of a Pope with even a distant Black heritage is a powerful symbol.
“It would mean the world,” said a parishioner at a historically Black Catholic church in the archdiocese, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s about seeing ourselves reflected in the highest levels of our faith. It validates our history and our presence in the Church.”
Cardinal Prevost’s connection to the Chicago Archdiocese extends beyond his childhood. After joining the Augustinian Order, he received his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He later served as vocation director and missions director for the Augustinian Province of “Mother of Good Counsel” in Olympia Fields, Illinois, further solidifying his ties to the area before his extensive missionary work in Peru and subsequent appointments in the Vatican.
The hope of a return visit to Dolton or the Chicago area is palpable. While the former St. Mary of the Assumption parish buildings were closed in 2011 and the parish merged due to financial challenges, the spiritual community remains active within the new parish structure. The physical church building, though no longer in regular use, holds deep sentimental value for many.
Discussions have begun within the community and with archdiocesan officials about the possibility of renovating the former St. Mary’s church building. While the scope and feasibility of such a project are still being explored, the idea has gained momentum since Pope Leo XIV’s election. For many, the renovation is intrinsically linked to the dream of a papal visit.
“To have that church restored, and then to have Pope Leo XIV celebrate Mass there… it would be a miracle,” said a long-time resident and former St. Mary’s parishioner. “That building holds so many memories. It’s where his journey started, and for him to come back and bless it, and us, would be the ultimate homecoming.”
While a papal visit to a former childhood parish is highly unusual, the unique circumstances of Pope Leo XIV’s election and his clear ties to Dolton have fueled these hopeful aspirations. The potential renovation of St. Mary’s has become a symbol of the community’s enduring faith and their deep connection to the new pontiff.
Cardinal Cupich acknowledged the deep connection and the community’s excitement. “We are already discussing ways to celebrate this historic occasion here in Chicago,” he said, though no specific plans for a papal visit or church renovation have been officially announced by the Vatican or the Archdiocese.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a source of immense pride for Dolton and the entire Chicago Archdiocese. His journey from the south suburbs to the papacy, coupled with the reports of his diverse ancestry, creates a complex and compelling narrative that resonates deeply with a community that values its history and its diverse population. As he begins his pontificate, the people of Dolton and Chicago will be watching and praying, celebrating their native son on the global stage and holding onto the hope that one day, he might return to the place where his faith journey began.