Chicago (WBBM Newsradio) - A special mass held Friday at Holy Name Cathedral in River North celebrated the one-year anniversary of Chicago born Robert Prevost having been named Pope. Some Holy Name parishioners say that the Chicago Pope has made them more devout in their religion, others say their devotion hasn’t changed but they do take great pride in Pope Leo’s stance on peace.
There are also people like Gold Coast resident Stanley, who says having a Chicago Pope now makes him Catholic by default.
“I’m actually protestant. I’ve been attending Holy Name since Pope Leo got elected, because I was so intrigued that we had a Pope from Chicago. So, I’ve been attending here, as a protestant, but I’m finding the Catholic faith to be very intriguing, welcoming, and inclusive,” said Stanley.
At the special one-year anniversary mass for Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Lawrence J. Sullivan spoke to several dozen parishioners in attendance, about the importance of encouraging the career paths of others, adding that while Robert Prevost was growing up, the people around him saw something truly special in him, but no one could have ever imagined he would one day be Pope.
Many of the parishioners said they do find Pope Leo’s ‘regular guy’ persona very endearing, River North resident Lindy had been concerned with a leadership transition at the Vatican, following the death of Pope Francis but now one year later, that worry has subsided.
“I very much appreciate the openness that those papacies have both brought to the Catholic Church, in terms of being more accepting, inviting, and welcoming,” said Lindy.
More than a few parishioners said they find comfort in knowing that Pope Leo XIV, is a Sox fan too.
