Chicago-style Pope Leo XIV merch hits the internet as Portillo's names sandwich in his honor

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Catholic Church has a new hymn, and it's "Go Sox, go!"

The College of Cardinals selected its first Chicago-style pope, and the internet is already making memes, edits and merch.

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Even Portillo's is getting in on the action, naming a sandwich after Pope Leo XIV, who was born on the city's South Side and grew up in Dolton.

Their Italian beef will be known as "The Leo" for the rest of May.

"I lived with him for a year. I know that his favorite cake is chocolate cake from Portillo's," said Br. Joe Ruiz, who is a teacher. "He's a very down-to-earth guy, very humbling guy. Easy to talk to, approachable."

The front page of the Chicago Sun-Times dubbed him "Da Pope," and the Onion honored the first "Chicago-Style" pope, as well.

Aurelio's Pizza is feeling proud, sharing a photo of when Pope Leo visited their Homewood restaurant back in August of 2024.

Want to rep da pope?

Several websites are selling merch featuring Pope Leo XIV.

You can find them on RAYGUN, Chitown Clothing and Obvious Shirts.

Want your own, personal Pope Leo XIV?

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is now selling Pope Leo XIV bobbleheads.

John Prevost made it clear that his brother, Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, roots for the South Siders.

Rate Field made sure to showcase that, posting a sign that said, "Hey Chicago, he's a Sox fan!" after Wrigley Field posted a similar message, saying, "Hey, Chicago, he's a Cubs fan!"

Prevost later clarified that their mother was from the North Side, and her side of the family roots for the Cubs.

"I heard he is a Cubs fan. God bless him," said Fr. Gregory Sakowicz of Holy Name Cathedral hours after the white smoke blew out of the Vatican's chimney.

But the Sox appear to have claimed Pope Leo XIV, creating a "Pope Leo" jersey.

The pride of Chicago is on full display at the Grandstand Sports Shop near Rate Field.

They have been flooded with custom jersey requests over the last 24 hours with Pope Leo's name and number on the back of a Sox jersey.

"Finally some great news, I mean come on that's huge, definitely a blessing on the South Side to say the least," Grandstand Sports owners Josh and Stephanie Ganal said.

They say this is the kind of news their fanbase needed, and they're ready for the pope to pay a visit to the South Side.

"Now we just need him to come throw out the first pitch; that just solidifies everything, in his custom Sox jersey," the Ganals said.

Pope Leo XIV has certainly given people across the city plenty to brag about.

"We actually couldn't believe it; it was a total surprise," Ballpark Pub owner Richard Rogulich said.

Bars near Rate Field are also embracing the new head of the Catholic Church in the most Chicago way possible, with a $5 pope special at Ballpark Pub.

"Our special here is the Chicago handshake: a shot of Malort and a can of old style, $5 all weekend until Sunday. Come one, come all," Rogulich said.

The Sox are hoping some divine intervention can help turn the ballclub around.

Businesses from the South Side to the North side have been rushing to create tributes in honor of Pope Leo.

Bennison's Bakery in Evanston crafted up pope cookies, and they have been a hot commodity.

"I was kind of shocked; I mean immediately people were buying them. I checked recently, and we've sold around 100 just within the last 12 hours," baker Phoebe Casey said.

A billboard has also popped up on the Kennedy Expressway.

Old National Bank is congratulating the Pope, saying "Chicago is so Proud!" Then, the message says, "Deep Dish- now available in Rome."