Portillo’s introduces “The Leo” sandwich to celebrate Chicago native Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Chicago’s famous Italian beef chain, Portillo’s, unveiled a limited-time sandwich — “The Leo” — in tribute to the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.

The sandwich features Italian beef, dipped in gravy, and topped with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera, what the company calls “the holy trinity of peppers.”

The company called the sandwich “a divinely seasoned Italian beef.”

Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native. He was elected pontiff on Thursday, following the death of Pope Francis.

Portillo’s has 94 locations nationwide, including one in Rockford at 6090 E State Street.