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
NYC tenants vent housing grievances at Mamdani's first 'rental ripoff' hearing — but remain cautiously optimistic

NYC Tenants Address Housing Concerns at Mamdani’s Inaugural ‘Rental Ripoff’ Hearing, Expressing Cautious Optimism

Hundreds of New York City tenants converged to air their housing grievances…
Nancy Guthrie neighbors' Ring camera captures vehicles on possible route from crime scene

Shocking Discovery: Neighbor’s Ring Camera Reveals Crucial Clue in Local Crime Investigation

EXCLUSIVE: TUCSON, Ariz. — A surveillance camera owned by residents in the…
Mike Huckabee tells Israel embassy staff to leave 'today' if they want to as Iran talks stall

Mike Huckabee Urges Israel Embassy Personnel to Depart Immediately Amid Stalled Iran Negotiations

In a decisive move, the State Department has granted permission for non-essential…
LAPD officer hit with felony charges after allegedly skydiving while collecting full disability benefits

LAPD Officer Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Skydiving During Disability Leave

Authorities have leveled accusations of insurance fraud against a Los Angeles police…
Somali trucker driving wrong way on Missouri highway couldn’t read basic road signs, failed English proficiency test

Somali Truck Driver’s English Proficiency Raises Safety Concerns After Wrong-Way Incident on Missouri Highway

A startling incident unfolded on a Missouri highway when a truck driver,…
Warner Bros. Discovery deems Paramount's takeover bid superior to Netflix deal

Warner Bros. Discovery Favors Paramount’s Acquisition Offer Over Netflix Deal

In a surprising twist in the entertainment industry, Netflix has opted out…
Alleged New Hampshire country club shooter Hunter Nadeau said he was targeting wealthy ‘elites’: report

Hunter Nadeau, Alleged New Hampshire Country Club Shooter, Reportedly Aimed at Wealthy ‘Elites

A man from New Hampshire, charged with a shooting spree inside a…
Gavin Newsom claims Trump wanted Ivanka to date Tom Brady: memoir

Inside the Pages: Gavin Newsom Reveals Trump’s Matchmaking Dreams for Ivanka and Tom Brady

In an intriguing anecdote from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s newly released memoir,…
Tom Steyer spends $66 million on California governor's race

Tom Steyer Invests $66 Million in California Gubernatorial Campaign

Tom Steyer’s campaign for the California governorship is burning through funds at…
Tim Walz unveils anti-fraud package after Trump threatens to halt Medicaid funds

Governor Tim Walz Introduces Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Initiative Following Trump’s Medicaid Funding Threat

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the Trump administration’s recent threat to…
US officials indict high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel narco-terrorists, offer up to $10M reward for their arrests

US Authorities Charge Senior Sinaloa Cartel Leaders with Narco-Terrorism; Announce $10 Million Reward for Capture

The notorious Sinaloa Cartel’s Tijuana Plaza has long been under the control…
Body camera video released from fatal officer-involved shooting at Jacksonville home

Newly Released Body Cam Footage Reveals Details of Jacksonville Officer-Involved Shooting

In a tense incident earlier this month, Jacksonville police officers shot and…