Events to celebrate 1 year since elevation of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV as pontiff
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Friday marks one year since Pope Leo became pontiff.
Pope Leo spent the morning in Pompei, Italy, greeting the faithful.
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Affectionately known as "Chicago's pope," his election remains a source of pride for his hometown.
There are many events marking the anniversary of the elevation of the first American-born pope. He's a proud Chicagoan and a son of the South Side.
There's a special pilgrimage today to celebrate his anniversary where people will visit Pope Leo's childhood parish and his childhood home in Dolton, which is now a historical landmark.
It's led by the group the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation.
Pope Leo's papacy emphasizes unity, community, and truth as an Augustinian. He's spent much of the past year focusing on peace and unity.
He also made some influential picks for the U.S. church in his first year, including naming former Joliet Bishop Ron Hicks as the Archbishop of New York.
His background here in Chicago include the time Pope Leo studied at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.
He taught at St. Rita High School and is an honorary alumnus there.
And how could we forget, he is a very proud White Sox fan.
The day begins at Christ Our Savior Church with a Mass at 8:30 a.m. in South Holland.
