Before ascending to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — grew up in Chicago, spent decades in Peru, then arrived in Rome.

Catholics and non-Catholics alike were abuzz with excitement in Chicago May 8, after one of the city’s native sons became pope. Taking the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff has made many firsts.

Forget your traditional Italian popes sipping espresso; we’re talking deep-dish spirituality, tamales instead of pasta

The Chicago native is also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as bishop. He evoked his broad missionary experience in his first public remarks as pope, speaking in Italian, then switching to Spanish — and ...

Those who knew Pope Leo XIV as a younger man say his path to the papacy has prepared him well for the challenges ahead.

"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.