He cardenal Robert Prevosta native of Chicagohas made history by becoming the first American Pope, adopting the name of XIV lion.
As reported The Associated Pressthe news was received with enthusiasm in his hometownwhere residents celebrated proudly appointment of one of his as leader of the catholic Church.
The election of Premost, 69, occurred after death of the papa Francisco last month, marking a historical moment for the Catholic community of the United States.
In the French school Xavier Wardethe students followed the announcement From their classrooms. when the image of the New Pope appeared in the screensthe halls were filled with cheers and joy.
Mary Perrotti, director of school development, said that children were excited And amazed that a Chicaguense became the New Pontiff.
Perrotti stressed that youths Now they have a model of leadership based on the justice and the compassionvalues that have been central In the Prevost Ministry.
Born in 1955 in the neighborhood of Bronzevillein southern Chicago, and raised in the suburb of DoltonPrevost attended the Church and primary school in St. Mary of the Assumption.
Later, he studied theology at the Chicago Catholic Theological Unionin Hyde Park, and taught in institutions Catholic local, such as high school St. Rita. According to Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Unionthe community is excited that someone so nearby To them now be the leader of the Church.
Companions of the childhood Premost recalled their friendly character and his clear vocation From one Early age. John Doughneywho is graduated next to him from school Primary St. Mary’s in 1969he described him as a friend of all and someone who always showed compassion.
-For its part, Linda Eickmannanother resident of Doltonexpressed his joy when he learned of the news, remembering how the family Premost was deeply involved in the community of Santa Maríaorganizing activities to support the iglesia and the school.
The election of Leo XIV also resonated between Community leaders Chicago Raymundoco -founder of Resurrection Projecthighlighted the pride that the ciudad and expressed his esperanza that the new Pope Continue The legacy of social justice and compassion that characterized the Pope Francisco.
Raymundo, Mexican immigrant that grew in the barrio De Pilsen said that this moment inspires many to work for a better world.
In the Holy Name Cathedraldozens of people gathered to pray After the announcement. Laurel Legle, who I don’t know Identify as catholic nor Christian, went to the place to be part of what he described as a moment significant.
Zoë Poehlmana nurse Just arrived in Chicago, commented that the environment In the city it was exciting y advance celebrations throughout the region. The father Gregory Sakowiczrector of the cathedral, shared his happiness by the choice y He joked about the possible preference of the new Pope by the teams of baseball locales.
In social networks, inhabitants Chicago They expressed are pride through memes y messages that celebrated the Pope’s connection with the ciudad.
From jokes on replacing hosts by Taberna style pizza even t -shirts with the design of “To climb” in colors of the Chicago Bearsthe creativity of resident reflected his enthusiasm. Even the chain of food rapid Portillo’s joined the celebrations, suggesting sending his Italian meat al Vatican.
For many Catholics in Chicago, the election of Leo XIV represents more than an achievement historic.
According to Perrotti, his upbringing in a known city by his commitment With social justice and community care has molding are ministry and his vision. Now, as leader of the Catholic Church, he has the chance to share with the world the values that define their hometown.
