At Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, a significant crowd of around 200 attendees filled the pews for the 8 a.m. Mass, as excitement swirled over the election of Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Lawrence Sullivan expressed gratitude during Communion, emphasizing the new pope’s connection to the community. Among those celebrating was Sister Maryjane Okolie from the South Side, who expressed her surprise and pride at the pope’s origins, affirming the belief that “God has chosen the right person.”
Chicago’s large Latino community, including a significant number of Peruvian Americans, shared in the joy of having a pope familiar with their culture and region. Leo’s mother, Mildred Martinez Prevost, hailed from a Spanish background, and the new pontiff spent two decades in Peru, where he served as the apostolic administrator and later the bishop of Chiclayo. This connection resonated deeply with attendees; as one Latino parishioner remarked, the pope’s experiences make them feel a shared understanding of their community’s struggles.
In Rome, Cardinal Blase Cupich noted Leo’s authenticity and genuine care for people, asserting that he is equipped to lead effectively. The sentiment of pride transcended Chicago, reaching institutions like Villanova University, where the president humorously extended an invitation for the pope to speak at a commencement ceremony, receiving a light-hearted reply from Leo.
Overall, the election of Pope Leo XIV stirred immense pride and joy among worshippers in Chicago, particularly within the Latino community, as they recognized their shared heritage and the pope’s commitment to serving diverse communities.
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