Chicago and Illinois politicians praise ‘Da Pope’

Chicago politics isn’t dominated by Irish Catholic officials like it used to be, but local leaders of all faiths hailed the selection of the South Side’s own Robert Prevost as the next pope.

“Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a post on the social media platform X. “Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.”

Johnson later called it “one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city.”

“Pope Leo XIV will be a champion for workers all over the world. It’s only right that he was born and educated in the most pro-worker city in America. The Catholic Church has a strong tradition of standing up for the poor and the vulnerable, and I know that Pope Leo XIV will continue that tradition,” said Johnson. “This is a tremendous moment for our Catholic community and for all Chicagoans. God bless Chicago. God bless Pope Leo XIV.”

Gov. JB Pritzker called the selection “a historic moment as we witness the first American leading the Catholic Church.”

“Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace,” Pritzker said.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama sent “our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Dick Durbin, also celebrated “a son of Chicago.”

“At a time when our world is marked by division and strife, I hope that Pope Leo XIV embodies Illinois’ spirit of compassion as he takes on this sacred responsibility. This is an historic moment for Catholics, for America, and all those who have long prayed to be seen and heard,” Stratton said.

“My hope is that he takes the torch of healing Pope Francis so gracefully lit and continues to extend mercy to all those feeling pain across our world. Pope Leo XIV, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and prayers,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, also running a primary campaign for Durbin’s seat, noted that Prevost is from her South Side congressional district.

“Pope Leo XIV grew up in Dolton — right here in the Second District! I wish Pope Leo XIV wisdom and integrity as he leads the Church toward greater inclusion, stronger faith, and love for all,” Kelly posted on X.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the latest to jump in the Senate fray, expressed his support too: “May Pope Leo XIV lead with compassion, courage, humility, and grace.”

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia kept it concise with the sacred city title many Chicagoans immediately bestowed upon Prevost: “Da Pope.”

Fellow South Sider and U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson said, “Chicago has given the world artists, activists, Presidents — and now a Pope.

“I believe Pope Leo XIV will be a unifier — a Pope who leads with humility, who honors the sacred dignity of every human being, and who ensures that the Church is not a fortress of privilege, but a sanctuary of love,” Jackson said. “Congratulations, Your Holiness. Chicago stands with you. And the world walks with you.”

And praise for Prevost was bipartisan. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a central Illinois Republican, said he joined Catholics “across the world in congratulating Pope Leo XIV, a native of Chicago and the first American Pope, to lead the Catholic Church. I am confident that he will be a generational leader who will support peace and unity across the globe at this historic time!”

Downstate GOP U.S. Rep. Mike Bost hailed “the FIRST American pope and a native of Illinois. What a truly historic moment.”