Chicago Celebrates Its First Pope with Laughter and Local Flair
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first American pontiff. Since the announcement, social media has erupted in a wave of humor and local love, with memes and jokes paying homage to the Windy City.
Chad Nackers, editor-in-chief of The Onion, noted the wealth of comedic potential this unique election brings. One headline cheekily proclaimed, “Conclave Selects First Chicago-Style Pope,” capturing the city’s essence with a delightful twist. The Chicago Sun-Times aptly titled its coverage “DA POPE!” showcasing the city’s iconic accent and humor.
The lightheartedness stretched from imagined scenarios of Pope Leo introducing “deep-dish communion wafers” to him cruising through the Vatican in a Dodge Monaco reminiscent of “The Blues Brothers.” Fans transformed communal bread into Pizzas from local pizzerias, dreaming of enjoying liqueur instead of wine during Mass.
Local sports allegiances made rounds too, with jokes about his baseball loyalties—initially thought to be with the Cubs, but revealing support for the White Sox. Merchants in Wrigleyville even reported customers requesting Cubs jerseys adorned with the pope’s name, blending religion with sports in true Chicago fashion.
Late-night hosts took their jabs as well, with Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert reveling in the joy of having an American pope. Colbert’s ‘Pope-S-A’ chant had the audience roaring, emphasizing the connection between the new pontiff and daily life in Chicago.
The excitement abounds, as theologian Ashley Lenz remarked on the delight of seeing something sacred intertwined with the ordinary. “It makes the papacy feel human again,” she said, encapsulating the joy that has flooded through the city, proving that Pope Leo XIV’s elevation is as much a celebration of Chicago as it is of the Catholic faith.
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