Excitement grows over new pope's Midwest and Peruvian ties
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The news of Pope Leo XIV becoming the first American pope continues resounding around the world, but especially here, since Pope Leo, formerly known as Robert Prevost, is from Chicago.
Many are drawn to the newly elected pope due to his proximity, and that includes Jeff Callen, co-owner of National Bakery & Deli. He shared his excitement, as he too was born in Chicago. “I went to a Catholic high school close to where he went to school and taught. It's an uplifting story.”
In response to the high popularity of the pope, National Bakery & Deli started selling sugar cookies with a pope figurine made of buttercream. Callen and head-cookie decorator Julie Brooks say they sold about 100 cookies in the first hour and expect to sell around 1,000 in the coming days.
The new pope is bringing a lot of firsts to the Vatican, as the first pope from the United States and the first to be a Peruvian citizen.
“I think, from me, it was a pretty big reaction. I was shocked. I thought about him potentially being a pope since he seems like a balance from both perspectives. My wife is Peruvian, we're both from pretty close to the Chicago area. Those are exciting things. He's from here and from there, a dual citizen, we're excited about those things,” shared Trevor Beach, a Milwaukee resident who is Catholic.
“I'm just so grateful because being Latin, being an immigrant myself, it feels he's going to see the big view of helping immigrants in our community,” shared Irina Baker, a dual citizen of Peru and the United States.
Pope Leo XIV is also the first pontiff from the Augustinian order, urging people to form connections, embrace dialogue, and show compassion through charity. Prior Provincial Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A shared his joy at the news, saying, “Pope Leo XIV is a man of deep integrity, a true listener, and a companion to those on the margins of society. We see him as a bridge-builder, rooted in the spirit of St. Augustine, walking forward with the whole Church as a companion on the journey."
While in Peru, Pope Leo XIV obtained nationality in 2015, serving as the administrator and later bishop of Chiclayo until 2023. That’s when Francis summoned him to Rome, and now he leads the Catholic church.