We have an American Peruvian pope,” said Betty Lazaro. Locals say they expect Pope Leo XIV to carry on Pope Francis’ call to advocate for the poor and immigrants.

Before ascending to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — grew up in Chicago, spent decades in Peru, then arrived in Rome.

Catholics and non-Catholics alike were abuzz with excitement in Chicago May 8, after one of the city’s native sons became pope. Taking the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff has made many firsts.

The Chicago native is also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as bishop. He evoked his broad missionary experience in his first public remarks as pope, speaking in Italian, then switching to Spanish — and ...

"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

Robert Francis Prevost has become the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old from Chicago is the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church.

Taking the name Leo XIV, the American was elected to be the 267th pontiff and spiritual leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

Peruvians are elated after a Catholic cardinal who spent years guiding the faithful in the South American country was elected pope and hoped he will visit them soon in his new role.