On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made history by electing Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has held the papal office. The announcement sent shockwaves of excitement through the United States, particularly in Chicago, where Prevost was born and raised. Social media erupted with a flurry of jokes, memes, and local pride, showcasing the unique blend of humor and affection that the Windy City is known for.
As word spread about the new pope's Chicago roots, local officials and citizens alike took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky to express their delight. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson chimed in with a celebratory post stating, "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon." This sentiment resonated with many, as Chicagoans embraced their new spiritual leader with open arms.
Prevost, who has spent much of his clerical life in Peru, earning dual citizenship, is a 69-year-old who has dedicated his career to missionary work and leadership within the Church. His election as pope represents a significant shift in the Vatican's long-standing traditions, as he succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Memes quickly flooded social media, with many poking fun at the cultural differences that might arise from having an American pope. One user shared a photoshopped image of Vatican City featuring a Costco and a Waffle House, humorously suggesting that the new pope would bring a taste of American life to the Vatican. Another user quipped, "Chicago produced a pope before a QB who throws for 4,000 yards," referencing the long-standing struggles of the Chicago Bears football team.
Among the playful banter, some users suggested that the new pope might replace traditional communion wafers with Chicago-style deep dish pizza. One user wrote, "From now on, all communion wafers shall be deep dish," while another added, "Deep dish eucharist." The Chicago staple was a recurring theme in the jokes, with many expressing their hope that the new pope would finally bring good pizza to Rome.
In a nod to Chicago's infamous liqueur, Malört, social media users joked about the potential for holy water and wine to be replaced by the local spirit, with one user saying, "Cannot wait for holy water & wine to be replaced by Malort & Old Style." This playful irreverence highlights the city's unique character and the pride its residents feel in their heritage.
Father Anthony Pizzo, a seminary classmate of Prevost from the 1970s, shared his thoughts on the historic election. He expressed surprise at his friend's rise to such a prominent position, stating, "It never crossed my mind, and I don't think it crossed his mind either." Pizzo had hoped to catch up with Prevost over dinner this weekend, but the pope's new responsibilities will likely keep them apart for the foreseeable future.
As the world gets to know Pope Leo XIV, many are curious about his political views and how they might affect the Catholic Church. Social media users have already begun to analyze his past statements, with one user sharing a screenshot of a retweet in which Prevost criticized former President Donald Trump's treatment of migrants. Another user noted, "Woke Pope is Dope," in response to Prevost's progressive stance on various issues.
In an amusing twist, some social media users are even linking the new pope to YouTuber Trisha Paytas, whose daughter was born just days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Memes have emerged suggesting that Paytas' daughter is a reincarnation of the late monarch, and now with the election of Pope Leo XIV on Paytas' birthday, the internet is having a field day with the connections.
The humor surrounding the election of the new pope is not limited to Chicago. Corporate brands have also joined in on the fun. Popeyes tweeted, "pope yes," while Netflix shared a screenshot from its show "Emily in Paris," featuring the line, "I'm from Chicago, but I moved here for a job." These playful interactions highlight the cultural significance of Prevost's election and how it resonates with a broader audience beyond the religious sphere.
As the first American pope, Prevost's election signifies a momentous occasion for U.S. Catholics and the global Church. His unique background and the humor surrounding his election reflect the diverse landscape of American Catholicism, where tradition meets modernity in unexpected ways. With his Chicago roots firmly planted, Pope Leo XIV is poised to lead the Catholic Church into a new era, one that embraces both faith and the distinctive character of his birthplace.
In the days following his election, search traffic for terms like "Da Pope" has skyrocketed, and merchandise featuring the phrase is already in the works, with local companies eager to capitalize on the moment. Chicagoans are embracing their new pope as one of their own, and the playful spirit of the city continues to shine through in the wake of this historic event.
