Chicago just scored its first pope, and the Windy City is buzzing with pride. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, became the first American pontiff in Catholic Church history. His South Side roots run deep through the Dolton and Riverdale neighborhoods. From his childhood home to his favorite ballpark, Chicago is now home to some pretty holy landmarks. Let’s explore the sacred and secular sites that shaped our Chicago pope before he made it to the Vatican.
Childhood Dolton Home
The unassuming brick house at 212 E. 141st Place in Dolton stands as perhaps the most humble beginning for any pope in modern history. Built in 1949, this three-bedroom home served as the foundation for Pope Leo XIV’s early years with his parents, Louis and Mildred Prevost, and his two older brothers. The Village of Dolton, which borders Chicago’s Far South Side, became a popular destination for South Side families after World War II, as they sought better opportunities.
Today, you can spot the house by its standout red door and a wooden cross propped up against the porch stairs. A couple of candles adorn the front steps, while a police car keeps an eye on the property, which has become a magnet for visitors from all over. This humble home truly showcases the working-class roots that shaped the future pope’s character and his dedication to helping the poor and marginalized.
The old Prevost family house has become a beacon of hope for a community that has experienced its share of economic ups and downs, but now enjoys a bit of fame thanks to its most famous son.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary of the Assumption Church, located at 310 E. 137th Street, was where young Robert Prevost truly began his faith journey. It began in 1886 with approximately 30 German-American Catholic families, who were primarily working on the railroads. The place turned into a lively hub for the Catholic community.
The church, as it stands now, was completed in 1957, presenting a simple Renaissance style with a standout limestone façade and gorgeous stained-glass windows that still sparkle, even though it’s empty these days. Pope Leo XIV attended the parish school, served as an altar boy, and participated in the church choir during the 1960s. His former classmates recall how he excelled academically and never complained about memorizing lengthy catechisms, always earning the coveted first seat in his classroom.
In 2011, the church closed due to declining attendance and merged with the Queen of Apostles Parish. The building ended up in rough shape, with a hole in the roof and debris everywhere. But now, Preservation Chicago is pushing to have it recognized as a landmark to help restore and protect this important site that played a role in shaping the first American pope.
Guaranteed Rate Field
The home of the Chicago White Sox holds a special place in Pope Leo’s heart. His brother John confirmed that the pontiff has always been a Sox fan, not a Cubs supporter, despite some early confusion. Pope Leo even attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, and footage shows him nervously watching the final moments.
On June 14, 2025, Guaranteed Rate Field threw an epic bash with 30,000 people celebrating their papal fan. The pope even sent a video message from Rome, chatting with the young folks about hope and community. The White Sox have fully embraced their papal connection by creating a mural near his 2005 World Series seat and designing Da Pope jerseys. Cardinals and fans came together on the field for Mass, and everyone rocked custom White Sox jerseys with the pope’s nickname.
Favorite Peruvian Dish
During his nearly 20 years in Peru, Pope Leo really fell for the local food scene. Bishop Edison Farfan from Chiclayo shared that the pope couldn’t get enough of dishes such as goat, duck with rice, and Peru’s famous ceviche. The lime-soaked raw seafood dish became one of his top picks.
The staff at El Trebol restaurant in Chiclayo has some fond memories of serving the future Pope. Carlos Lopez, who frequently waited on him, remembers Pope Leo popping in two or three times a week, always choosing table number three for its view of the cathedral. For breakfast, he usually went for chicharron, consisting of fried pork or chicken, lunch was often stewed goat, and dinner was chicken broth. While he didn’t leave cash tips, he always gave the staff his blessing.
Favorite Pizza: Aurelio’s
Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood holds the distinction of being Pope Leo’s preferred Chicago pizzeria. In August 2024, the future pontiff visited their flagship location and ordered a classic thin-crust pepperoni pizza. Owner Joe Aurelio didn’t realize he was serving a cardinal until news of the papal election broke months later.
The restaurant has fully embraced its papal connection by trademarking the Pope-A-Roni pizza. It has also created an official Pope’s Table complete with a priest’s chair from a local church altar. Customers can now request to sit at this special table, and phone reservations have been flooding in since the pope’s election. Aurelio’s has been serving Chicago-style thin crust pizza since 1959, making it a true local institution.
Visit Pequod’s Pizza for Deep Dish
While Pope Leo may be all about thin crust at Aurelio’s, real Chicago pizza fans know the magic’s in the deep dish. Pequod’s Pizza has been creating caramelized crust goodness since 1971, offering a taste that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Our pan pizza comes with an amazing ring of mozzarella that gets all crispy and chewy in the oven: simply divine. Whether you’re diving into papal history or just want to visit an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza restaurant, Pequod’s is where it’s at. Come see what the fuss is all about and find out why locals swear by Pequod’s as a real Chicago staple.