Following the papal conclave’s history selection, Cardinal Blase Cupich declared Chicago should be “proud to have produced” newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, a South Sider who became the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church.
“Let’s be proud that Chicago produced a person of this quality that could be pope,” Cupich said during a phone interview with the Tribune Friday morning from Vatican City. “We should be very proud of that.”
The day before, Cupich witnessed history as a member of the conclave that selected Chicago-born missionary Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope.
In his first words as pontiff, 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost proclaimed “Peace be with you,” in a message lauding dialogue, unity and care for those in need.
As the new pontiff gave his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cupich looked on from an adjacent balcony, aware of the monumental moment and its significance for more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
As the archbishop of Chicago looked over the piazza, the crowd down to the Tiber River was jam-packed, with more than 250,000 people awaiting the first words of the new pope, he recalled.
“To be in that position is something that I’ll never be able to replicate in the future,” he said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to be on the same platform where the new pope is going to be announced with hundreds of thousands of people chanting his name.”
Cupich said he spoke with Prevost just after his election. He recalled the new pope’s manner was serene.
The cardinal said he has thanked Prevost several times for accepting the role of pontiff.
“Because it is a heavy responsibility,” Cupich said. “It’s a whole life change for him. Imagine, his life is now altogether different. You don’t go out at night for a pizza or a walk. You’ve now got the whole world watching everything that you do. It’s quite a change and I was so glad he accepted.”
Cupich believes Prevost’s deep family roots in the Chicago area will influence his leadership style as pope.
“He is a hard worker,” Cupich added. “He is a Midwesterner who is not afraid of hard work, who is practical and not afraid of getting things done and bringing people together. That is part of our culture.”
Prevost was born on Sept. 14, 1955, at Mercy Hospital in Chicago and was raised in suburban Dolton with his parents and two brothers. He grew up in St. Mary of the Assumption parish on the Far South Side, attending school, singing in the choir and serving as an altar boy.
Cupich predicts the new pope will carry on much of the legacy of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
“Pay attention to what he says now as he defends workers rights, immigrants, people who are living in the margins of society,” Cupich added. “That is the program of Pope Francis that he is going to fully embrace…. People should stay tuned.”
While the Chicago area should celebrate that one of their own will be leading the Catholic Church, Cupich added that Pope Leo XIV will work to build bridges and help unify humanity across the globe.
“He’s the world’s pope,” he said.
