As a lifelong practicing Catholic, you best believe I was absolutely locked in watching the 267th conclave and waiting for the announcement of a new pope for the church. Vatican livestream on? Check. Pregaming with a Conclave rewatch? Of course. Cracking up at all of the pope memes and living vicariously through the seagull? Obviously. But while I expected white smoke, the first American pope wasn’t on my bingo card for the papal election —- let alone Robert Prevost from Chicago, who is likely the first pope to experience the cultural phenomena that is Chicago hot dogs, Portillo’s, and Coors Light.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope in the history of the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, the chosen name of Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first American-born pontiff in the history of the papacy, and the nation is celebrating this unique accomplishment. With multiple contenders from the Philippines, Italy, and Africa, U.S. Catholics were shocked and grateful by the appointment of an American pontiff on May 8 after 266 non-American popes. But beyond the awe, prayers of thanksgiving, and tearful reactions, Americans welcomed the Chicago native and Villanova alum the best way they knew how: memes.
Given that the 69-year-old pope is a Chicagoan, Midwesterners were especially excited about Cardinal Prevost’s roots. And while much of Pope Leo’s clerical life has been spent in Peru (and he eventually earned dual citizenship), Americans, and Chicagoans especially, are intent on reminding the public that this pope originated in the Windy City. But not only has Pope Leo likely experienced several cultural classics, the fact that he’s the first American pope means that he’s probably the first pope ever to experience some iconic United States chains, signature dishes, and of course, Chicago classics.
The new pope probably loves deep dish pizza.
Pope Leo’s new residence may be Vatican City in Rome, but Chicagoans are arguing that the new pontiff’s love for deep dish pizza likely runs, well, deep. So much so that X user @RoryCooper argues, “Finally Rome will have good pizza.” And while Leo may be the first pope to show up in Rome and assert deep dish dominance, the question remains: does the pontiff prefer Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s?
New Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago. “From now on, all Communion wafers shall be deep dish.”
— Kevin F. Sherry (@KevinFSherry) May 8, 2025
Plus, he’s probably a fan of Culver’s, cheese curds, and a classic Chicago dog. In fact, as the first American pope, it’s likely that Pope Leo has eaten more hot dogs than the last 266 popes combined.
“The new Pope is from Chicago,” wrote X user @primawesome, before joking that “Putting ketchup on your hot dog is now a deadly sin.”
This Chicago fast food chain named a sandwich after Pope Leo XIV.
And, given his Chicago roots, it’s only fair to assume that the Holy Father has been to Portillo’s (a chain known for its hot dogs, Italian beef, and Cake Shakes) more than a few times, and has probably tried more than the chain’s classic Chicago dog.
— James Line (@jameslineky) May 8, 2025
Rumor has it he loves the Italian Beef sandwich — so much so that the chain debuted “The Leo” sandwich on menus nationwide following his election.
Pope Leo XIV attended Villanova — and probably knows about Wawa.
Beyond his childhood in the Midwest, Prevost is also a Villanova alumnus, meaning that he’s probably familiar with East Coast staples such as Wawa (a Pennsylvania classic), Sheetz, and Jersey Mike’s. Hopefully, he too has experienced a midnight convenience store run for a Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese, or a late night egg cream and an East Coast diner. More than anything, though, I genuinely hope Pope Leo has experienced the heavenly delight that is the Amish soft pretzel.
Vatican City now that we have an American pope: pic.twitter.com/LaGvtj7mZU
— Hayden (@the_transit_guy) May 8, 2025
One user even joked that, now that we have an American pope, Vatican City will soon be covered with Taco Bells, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Pizza Huts, and Quiznos subs — because who needs authentic pizza, pasta, and paninis, anyway?
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