The elevation of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost to pope earlier this month has been a point of pride for Chicagoland parishes, including in the north suburbs of Morton Grove, Park Ridge,

"The Pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, said he expects Pope Leo XIV "feels an obligation," to speak to what he called the issues of the day, amid "real challenges globally."

The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first-American pontiff shocked the world, and Chicago residents rejoiced in the Holy See’s ties to the Windy City.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield released a statement expressing profound joy and deep gratitude to God for the election.

Catholics are surprised and delighted in Chicago, where the church's influence persists despite declining numbers.

Globally, everyone is reacting to the newly-appointed Pope in the Catholic Church, and bishop of Rome. On Thursday, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named the new pope, he is the first American pope in history and will go by the name Pope Leo XIV who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.

As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new job in the Vatican, Catholics everywhere continue to celebrate, including in the La Grange area.