Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo XIV is just beginning his first full day as pontiff.

He led Mass at the Sistine Chapel and speaking before the cardinals who appointed him.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The pope makes history as the first American and he is from Chicago.

Pope Leo XIV gave his first homily beginning in English, another moment marking the significance for American Catholics.

RELATED: Chicago celebrates as South Side-born Pope Leo XIV’ elevated to pontiff

The Vatican announced he will be formally installed as pope at a special Mass on May 18.

Deeper meaning behind pope choosing name Leo

Father Stan Chu Ilo is an associate professor at DePaul University and a noted scholar, serving as a priest and a prominent global voice on Catholic perspectives and cultural insights.

Footage captures intimate moments that unfolded privately, showcasing the pope unexpectedly appearing inside the Vatican Palace, where he resided until Thursday night.

He greeted the faithful, took photos with people, gave smiles and shook hands and gave everyone a blessing.

RELATED: Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected pope, taking name Leo XIV | What we know

Father Jack Wall, the pastor emeritus at Old St. Pat’s, was present in St. Peter’s Square during the events on Thursday, sharing his thoughts on its significance for Catholics in Chicago.

“Just an amazing gift to experience someone who came from one of our neighborhoods, I actually grew up in the same communities he did and went to the same grammar school, and to see somebody coming from our toots and raised by his family and good families that come out of our Church experience, it’s just amazing,” Fr. Wall said. “One of us. There’s a great line in scripture, ‘What good can ever come out of Nazareth?’ It has that same feeling from Dolton, Illinois. This man has come forward and all of his gifts and talent will now be given to the world…I get very emotional even thinking about it.”

RELATED: Dolton neighbor told young Cardinal Robert Prevost he would be pope someday, New Lenox brother says

Wall said that is what he was feeling when seeing an American pope on the balcony.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Rockefeller Christmas tree is harvested from upstate New York and begins trek to Manhattan

Iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree Begins Journey from Upstate New York to Illuminate Manhattan

The majestic Christmas tree destined to illuminate Rockefeller Center this festive season…
Violent mob attacks pro-Israel gathering in Toronto days after mayor’s ‘genocide in Gaza’ remarks

Pro-Israel Event in Toronto Disrupted by Aggressive Protest Following Controversial Mayoral Comments

A pro-Israel gathering in Toronto descended into chaos on Wednesday when anti-Israel…
Chinese astronauts stranded in space after debris strikes return capsule during mission

Chinese Astronauts Face Unprecedented Space Debris Challenge: Return Mission in Jeopardy

A Chinese space crew remains at the Tiangong space station after their…
Star of David erased in shocking attack on Hamas victims memorial of Jewish mother, 2 young sons

Vandalism Strikes Heart of Memorial: Star of David Removed from Tribute to Jewish Mother and Sons Lost in Hamas Attack

A mural in Milan, Italy, created to honor Shiri Bibas and her…
Fire codes must be updated for safety

Urgent Call for Fire Code Updates to Enhance Safety Measures Nationwide

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on March 25, 1911, in…
Photos reveal dolphins injured during a ride from one Florida attraction to another

Disturbing Photos Highlight Dolphin Injuries During Transport Between Florida Attractions

A dolphin researcher is urging for a protective order for dolphins entangled…
Air traffic cuts begin Friday morning: Updates around the country

Nationwide Air Traffic Reductions Set to Start Friday Morning: Latest Updates

Airports across more than two dozen states are experiencing flight reductions, and…
Trump administration seeks to halt SNAP food aid payments after a court order

Trump Administration Moves to Suspend SNAP Benefits Following Recent Court Ruling

In a dramatic turn of events, the Trump administration sought intervention from…
ICE officer seriously injured after illegal immigrant assault, using metal coffee cup

ICE Officer Severely Injured in Violent Assault by Undocumented Immigrant Using Metal Coffee Cup

An officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was gravely injured…
Court strikes down Ohio school’s pronoun policy in win for parental rights group

Ohio Court Overturns School Pronoun Policy: A Major Victory for Parental Rights Advocates

On Thursday, a federal appeals court determined that an Ohio school district…
Left-wing New Hampshire professor smeared Charlie Kirk for 'white supremacy' after assassination

New Hampshire Professor Faces Backlash for Accusing Charlie Kirk of ‘White Supremacy’ Amid Controversial Remarks

In the wake of the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of…
Iowa student flipped Turning Point USA table on campus in viral video that led to arrest: docs

Iowa Student’s Viral Turning Point USA Table Flip Results in Arrest: Campus Incident Sparks Debate

An incident at the University of Iowa led to the arrest of…