Excitement swept across Chicago this week as news broke that one of the city’s own, Cardinal Robert Prevost, had been elected pope.
Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, students erupted in cheers of "Habemus Papam!", a latin phrase meaning 'we have a pope', as white smoke rose from the Vatican, The Guardian reported.
Seventh-grader Vincent Wall said: "It really feels like a 2016 Cubs World Series. A pope from Chicago is just global, and so is the World Series. It’s crazy."
Pope Leo's deep Chicago roots include education at St Mary of the Assumption and the Catholic Theological Union.
Though he later served extensively in Peru, his hometown remains deeply proud of his appointment.
Janet Fink, a parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral, said: "It’s just amazing. I didn’t think I would see it in my lifetime. I hope Pope Leo continues to be the people’s pope."
Chicago, a historically Catholic city shaped by generations of European immigrants, has faced declining Mass attendance and parish closures.
Kara Baekey, a visiting mother and non-practicing Christian, said: "I feel like it’s kind of magical to be here in Chicago today. I hope that this pope will help to take our country on the correct path."