How we photographed the Pope greeting devotees in Vatican City
This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist Zubaer Khan. Follow him on Instagram.
What makes this photo important?
This is the first Chicago Sun-Times staff photo of Pope Leo XIV in his current role. He’s not just the leader of the Catholic Church and one of the most important men in the world, he is also a native Chicagoan, and so it is only right for us to have our own images.
How did you get the shot?
I was in Italy to cover Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s meeting with Leo. The day before, the pope was scheduled to have a general audience, but I still had not secured Vatican press credentials. I had a choice between getting in line with the people visiting from around the world or go to the press office and try my luck. I chose the press office, and, unfortunately, had no luck.
With 10 minutes to go before the event began, I ran out of the press office and tried my best to position myself for a decent shot. Photo Desk editor Ashlee Rezin had pushed for me to rent a 100-400mm lens for the occasion, and I’m glad she did, because I ended up having to stand behind the barricades with five to six rows of people ahead of me.
When Leo came out, escorted in the popemobile, I had no idea where he might turn. There’s a sort of course laid out through the crowd, but the direction in which it’s driven isn’t predictable. I followed the cheers and the directions people were turning their heads until I found him, his bright white robes standing out among a sea of the faithful. I shot what I could and prayed that it would all turn out OK in the end.
Plus, 21 more great images from Chicago Sun-Times photographers:
Crowds wait to see Pope Leo XIV speak Wednesday at his weekly general audience in Vatican City.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Mayor Brandon Johnson walks outside of the Colosseum in Rome on Friday.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
The Isle of Flags commemorates veterans buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Lincoln Square on Sunday.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Students march with American flags during a parade commemorating Memorial Day on North Dearborn Street in the Loop on May 23.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Emily Randle (center) joins dozens to march in an anti-war protest on Memorial Day in the Loop.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Toasted coconut sundae with salted peanuts and pandan caramel is sold at Crying Tiger in River North.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Students pet a chick Wednesday at the All-Star Fest held by the Chicago Park District and Special Children’s Charities at Maggie Daley Park.
Giacomo Cain/Sun-Times
Ricardo Navarrete and his mother Liliana hug supporters after Ricardo was released from immigration detention on Tuesday.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Ricardo Navarrete attempts to advance the ball during a soccer tournament at Mather (Stephen Tyng) Park on Wednesday, one day after he was released from immigration detention.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Fuerza Regida performs on day two of the Sueños music festival in Grant Park on Sunday.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Fans record and sing along as Fuerza Regida performs on day two of the Sueños music festival in Grant Park on Sunday.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Mya performs on day two of the Forever Mine music festival in Union Park on Sunday.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Festival goers dance as Mya performs on day two of the Forever Mine music festival in Union Park on Sunday.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Rita Lukea of Pixel Grip performs at the Warm Love Cool Dreams festival at the Salt Shed on May 23.
Giacomo Cain/Sun-Times
Willie Williams, a nurse at West Suburban Medical Center for 38 years, attends a rally with dozens of religious leaders, healthcare workers and community members outside West Suburban Hospital in Austin to demand the re-opening of the hospital Tuesday. Williams said the hospital is an “anchor of this community” and that the closing of the hospital is already affecting her family, who are patients at the hospital, and her community.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Friends mourn 17-year-old Pedro Ramirez at a memorial Wednesday in the 5000 block of South Throop Street in Back of the Yards on the Southwest Side. Ramirez was struck by stray gunfire Tuesday morning while walking to school.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Hundreds of people gather Monday night for a “teen takeover” near the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on the South Side as Chicago police officers attempt to disperse them.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Chicago Police Department officers salute Sunday during a street dedication to honor fallen CPD Officer Enrique Martinez in West Lawn on the Southwest Side. Martinez was shot to death while making a traffic stop in Chatham on Nov. 4, 2024, a month before the 26-year-old would have marked three years with the department.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Father Tod Roberts delivers a prayer over the casket of Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven Decker during his May 22 funeral at St. Paul Lutheran Church on the Northwest Side.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Colleen Decker, wife of Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven M. Decker, is hugged by Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt as she is given a flag during the May 22 funeral services for her husband at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
The casket of Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven M. Decker is loaded onto the hearse during his May 22 funeral services at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
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