Friday marks one year since Pope Leo became pontiff.
Friday, May 8, 2026 11:25AMPope Leo spent the morning in Pompei, Italy, greeting the faithful. Affectionately known as "Chicago's pope," his election remains a source of pride for his hometown.
There are many events marking the anniversary of the elevation of the first American-born pope. He's a proud Chicagoan and a son of the South Side. There's a special pilgrimage today to celebrate his anniversary where people will visit Pope Leo's childhood parish and his childhood home in Dolton, which is now a historical landmark. It's led by the group the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation.
Pope Leo's papacy emphasizes unity, community, and truth as an Augustinian. He's spent much of the past year focusing on peace and unity. He also made some influential picks for the U.S. church in his first year, including naming former Joliet Bishop Ron Hicks as the Archbishop of New York. His background here in Chicago include the time Pope Leo studied at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.
And how could we forget, he is a very proud White Sox fan. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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