With all its imperfections, the city never fails to leave its mark on the world. In a historic first, the new Pope—the first American to hold the position—is a South Sider. Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost Francis, he was raised in Dolton, a suburb deeply rooted in the fabric of Chicago.
The Pope is a true South Sider. In fact, he and his family tell a hidden American story, and the Prevost family makes the Pope one of us. The Pope was born at Mercy Hospital, and his family lived in the south suburbs of Dolton.
His father was an educator who graduated from Wilson Teachers College, now known as Kennedy King College. The Pope’s maternal grandparents, according to research by the New York Times, are recorded as Black or mulatto from New Orleans. The family story is a typical Black migration story.
The family is from New Orleans, where there is a Black Catholic tradition, and people are mixed with African, Caribbean, and European roots. The Pope is Creole, a Black mixture.
This is the story of many African Americans, including my very own. His family came to Chicago, and it is likely they passed for white.
The New York Times states, “The birth record lists Joseph Martinez and ‘Louis Baquiex’ as Mildred’s parents. The father’s birthplace is listed as the Dominican Republic; the mother’s, New Orleans.”
Mr. Honora also found records from the 1900 Census that list Mr. Martinez as “Black,” his place of birth as “Haiti,” and his occupation as “cigarmaker.” Mr. Martinez’s details appear on the sixth line of a census page that Mr. Honora shared with The Times.
“Both Joseph Norval Martinez and Louise Baquié were people of color, no doubt about it” Mr. Honora said.”
Black history remains a mystery in the United States, with many untold stories. That’s why it’s critical to acknowledge Black contributions. Records were not always kept accurately; sometimes, they were sloppy, and other times, they existed only in the bible.
The pope is genuinely American, hailing from the South Side of Chicago. He is also the first Pope of mixed race. This presents a particularly interesting dynamic at this time.
Now known as Pope Leo XIV, he embodies the spirit of the city and the humility of its neighborhoods. He pursued his calling at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park and graduated in 1982 with a Master of Divinity Degree.
The eyes of the world now turn to Chicago—not just for its influence, but for its soul. In 1979, Pope John Paul II came to Chicago, and 1.5 million people showed up in Grant Park.
Recently Chicago’s Portillo’s celebrated him, renaming it’s popular Italian Beef sandwich “The Leo” for the entire month of May, and local spots have been celebrating with items such as “Pope-themed” cookies. Also, it turns out that Pope Leo XIV’s favorite thin crust pizza is Aurelio’s. Just a few short months before becoming Pope, he was home visiting family and stopped into the location in Homewood, Illinois. Prevost ordered a pepperoni pizza while dining there.
Now in his honor, the chain will be selling a “pope-erroni” pizza. Also, a special “Pope’s Table” where he ate during his visit, complete with a new chair from a local church.
Chicago must reach out to this Pope for a welcome home event.
God bless the Pope, the world, and America. History is revealing itself. Blessings.
