The Chicago Connection: A Pope Like No Other
In May, the world witnessed something extraordinary: the election of Pope Leo XIV, a man with deep ties to Chicago. This wasn't just any pope; he was a former priest from the Windy City, known to many as Father Bob. The news broke while a group of friends were heading to the airport, their phones buzzing with alerts. The announcement came from Vatican City, where white smoke signaled a new leader for the Catholic Church.
An American Pope
The idea of an American pope was surprising. Many thought it unlikely, given the global nature of the Church. But there he was, Roberto Prevost, a Chicago native, stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The reaction was electric. Inside a car, someone shouted, "OH, MY GOD, IT'S THE CHICAGO GUY!" The instinct to report kicked in, even though there was no immediate outlet to report to. It was a moment of pure excitement and disbelief.
A Familiar Story
This wasn't the first time the person had covered a papal transition. Twenty years earlier, they had been in Rome for the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI. Back then, the media landscape was different. Reporters from all over the world descended on Vatican City, eager to cover the story. The person had even camped out on the cobblestone streets with students from Loyola University, waiting to pay their respects.
A Chicagoan Making History
Fast forward to 2024, and the world has a pope from Chicago. The election of Pope Leo XIV brought a sense of nostalgia and joy. The person felt a strong connection to the story, having spent a decade as a religion writer for the Sun-Times. They had covered major events, including the clergy sex abuse crisis and the beatification of Mother Teresa. The election of Pope Leo XIV was a chance to go back to their roots and tell the story of a Chicagoan making history.
Telling Chicago Stories
The person's marching orders were clear: tell Chicago stories. How had the city shaped Pope Leo? How might his pontificate influence Chicago and the world? The questions were endless, and the enthusiasm was palpable. In the early days of his papacy, Pope Leo was funny, accessible, and relatable. He even joked about the Sox and Cubs rivalry, signing a baseball with a crucial theological question: "Sox or Cubs?"
A Beacon of Hope
The reaction to Pope Leo XIV was overwhelming. People from all walks of life expressed their excitement and curiosity. Some saw him as a beacon of hope, a leader who could bring moral clarity to a world in turmoil. Others felt a renewed sense of connection to the Church, inspired by a pope who seemed like a regular guy. The person stood in St. Peter's Square, holding a sign that read "Chicago?" Strangers stopped to share their stories, their smiles wide and their hearts full.
A Dream Come True
The decade spent at the Sun-Times was a time of fulfillment and joy. Writing about and for Chicagoans was a passion, and the chance to cover the election of Pope Leo XIV was a dream come true. It was a moment of gratitude, a chance to go home again and do what they loved. The connection to Chicago runs deep, a place where the heart and soul always feel at home.
