Mass of Thanksgiving for the election of Pope Leo XIV held at Holy Name Cathedral

CHICAGO — Catholics around the world are celebrating the historic appointment of Pope Leo XIV, especially in Chicago, where many feel a close connection to the new leader of the church, who has ties to the city’s South Side.

On Friday, Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral on the Near North Side hosted a Mass of Thanksgiving for the election of Pope Leo XIV and there was a sense of joy among those who gathered before and after Mass on the dawn of a new era for Catholics.

“My guess is he is going to be a good Pope. Each is a little different in the way they approach things, but my guess is he is a humble man and will try to lead the church like so many before have,” parishioner Mike Muldowney said.

When word of white smoke was seen wafting above the Sistene Chapel Thursday, there may have been cheers from the thousands watching in St. Peter’s Square, but it was jubilation in Chicago when Cardinal Robert Prevost walked out on the balcony as Pope Leo XIV.

Some who gathered on Friday believe the pope’s ties to Chicago could influence him in his new role.

“I still think that midwestern values are something that are really driving the pope forward, it’s his roots. I’m excited to see how this reflects on the community,” parishioner Marissa Mongoven said.

Some parishioners who gathered on Friday for the special Mass of Thanksgiving said the new leader is renewing the faith of some Chicago Catholics.

“Been getting back into the swing of things and this is, like, well, that’s maybe just more of a sign,” parishioner Bryan Kraus said.