The church where Pope Leo XIV attended mass as a child and served as an altar boy is now an empty shell. Only the stained glass windows remain intact inside the sturdy facade of St Mary's of the Assumption on the far edge of Chicago's South Side. The disrepair is one indication of how the Catholic Church's power and influence has been ebbing away in America's big cities. And yet, around this city there's palpable excitement, particularly among Catholics, that the new pontiff is not only American - he's a South Side Chicagoan. "When they said the new Pope was an American, I flipped out, I said 'no way'!" said Mary Simons, a French teacher and nearby resident who brought her mother to see St Mary's. "The Church seems like it's getting smaller and smaller in this country," said Ms Simons. "I'm hoping that this will rejuvenate the church and make it bigger and better." A small trickle of Catholics, along with a few non-Catholics, made their way to St Mary's on Thursday afternoon as the news spread that Pope Leo XIV – until recently, Cardinal Robert Prevost – had been elected by his fellow cardinals in Rome. While some lamented over the poor state of the neighbourhood church – "It's shocking to see this" remarked one visitor - several were close to tears as they considered the humble roots of their new leader. Natalie Payne attended the church and the school associated with it. She hadn't heard the news but just happened to be driving by when she saw the small crowd outside and stopped to take in the moment. "We loved this school. It was a very family oriented place and very accepting of difference," she said. "I was one of the very few black people who attended this school, but I always felt part of the community. It was just a beautiful place." Catholics make up about 20% of the US population, according to Pew Research, a number that dropped from 24% at the start of the century. Attendance has fallen and the decline is noticeable in the big industrial cities of the Midwest, in closed schools and shuttered houses of worship like St Mary's. Leo XIV grew up in a modest home just a few streets away from here. The Chicago Sun-Times reported his parents – his father was a school administrator and his mother a librarian - bought their home in 1949, paying a mortgage of $42 a month. His father was of French and Italian decent and his mother had Spanish heritage, according to a Vatican news release. Charleen Burnette, one of the Pope's former classmates, told the BBC she remembers him as a "quiet, kind, gentle, wicked-smart kid". "He was always the top of our class, all the time," she said, recalling how he always knew he wanted to be a priest and would stay late to sweep and dust St Mary's as a boy. "He vocalised it. He lived it. He exemplified it," she said. In recent years, the Catholic Church has not only weathered declining attendance but also child abuse scandals that continue to resonate today. The Midwest Augustinians, a religious order in Chicago which Pope Leo once led, only published a list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse in 2024, after years of public pressure. As a cardinal, Prevost was criticised after being accused of allowing a priest facing sex abuse allegations to live in an Augustinian building near an elementary school. The priest was later moved and the religious order says it has tried to be transparent. There is a common feeling here that the church has not fully reckoned with the past but despite that, many Catholics here expressed hope for the new Pope's reign. Outside Holy Name Cathedral, the centre of the Catholic Church in downtown Chicago, workers were hanging bunting to prepare for a special mass on Friday morning. Father Gregory Sakowicz, rector of Holy Name, said he was just about to preside over mass at the cathedral when the news broke. "When I saw the white smoke on TV, I looked out the window and the sun came out here in Chicago," he said. "Later, during holy communion someone told me, 'Father, the new Pope is Father Robert Prevost from Chicago.' I was shocked." Fr Sakowicz said Pope Leo XIV "will be his own man" but added that he was confident that he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and be "a voice for human rights, a voice for the voiceless, concerned with the poor, and concerned for our mother Earth". And in this sport-mad city, there's one question that might nearly match the importance of the new Pope's theological direction – which of the city's baseball teams does he root for? Although there were some reports that he backs theChicago Cubs, in interviews the new pope's brother has said he cheers for theWhite Sox– the team with a passionate South Side fan base. Both teams on X, however, have claimed the new Pope's support. "Go White Sox - and go Cubs," said Fr Sakowicz. "There's just a lot of enthusiasm and joy around here. "He might be from Chicago, but he will be a pope for the whole world, not just Chicago, not just the US, not just North America - but the entire world." With reporting from Nadine Yousif
'Enthusiasm and joy' in new Pope's hometown of Chicago
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Chicagoans Celebrate Election of Local Son as New Pope"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In the heart of Chicago's South Side, the church where Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, attended mass and served as an altar boy stands in disrepair, symbolizing the waning influence of the Catholic Church in urban America. Despite the dilapidated state of St Mary's of the Assumption, locals are filled with excitement and hope following the election of the new pontiff, who has deep roots in the community. Many residents, like Mary Simons, expressed joy at the news of an American Pope, feeling that this could rejuvenate the Catholic Church, which has seen a decline in attendance over the years. The neighborhood, once vibrant with Catholic activity, now feels the weight of reduced congregations, as evidenced by the dwindling numbers of worshippers and the closure of schools and churches. Yet, the election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked a renewed sense of community and pride among the faithful, with some reflecting on their personal connections to the church and the Pope's humble beginnings in the area.
The new pontiff's upbringing in a modest home nearby resonates with many who remember him as a bright and dedicated student. His former classmates describe him as kind and intelligent, traits that have likely shaped his pastoral approach. However, the Catholic Church's recent history is marred by scandals, particularly regarding child abuse, leading to concerns about how the new Pope will address these issues. Local clergy, like Father Gregory Sakowicz, express optimism that Pope Leo XIV will be a champion for human rights and the marginalized. As preparations for a special mass unfold in downtown Chicago, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and enthusiasm. While there is playful speculation about the Pope's baseball loyalties—whether he supports the Chicago Cubs or the White Sox—there is a collective understanding that Pope Leo XIV is poised to be a global leader, representing not just Chicago or America, but the entire Catholic community around the world.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the mixed sentiments surrounding the election of Pope Leo XIV, focusing particularly on the reactions from his hometown of Chicago. While it highlights a sense of joy and enthusiasm among local Catholics, it also sheds light on the broader decline of the Catholic Church in America, especially in urban areas.
Community Reactions and Sentiment
Residents of Chicago, particularly those connected to the Catholic community, are expressing excitement over having a pope from their city. The article captures personal anecdotes that reflect a blend of nostalgia, hope, and concern. For instance, Mary Simons' reaction illustrates the disbelief and joy among locals at the news of an American pope, while others express sadness over the deteriorating state of local churches. This reveals a longing for revitalization within a community that feels increasingly marginalized.
Underlying Issues of Decline
The backdrop of the article points to a larger crisis within the Catholic Church in the U.S., where attendance has notably decreased and the influence of the church appears to be waning. The mention of St Mary's of the Assumption being an "empty shell" serves as a poignant metaphor for the church's diminishing presence and relevance in society. This juxtaposition of enthusiasm for the new pope against a backdrop of decline suggests an effort to inspire hope amid an ongoing crisis.
Potential Manipulation and Narrative Control
While the article conveys a celebratory tone, it subtly downplays the serious challenges faced by the church. By focusing on the excitement surrounding the new pope, it could be argued that the article seeks to shift attention away from the church's struggles with membership and relevance. The emotional narratives shared by community members may serve to evoke a sense of nostalgia and hope, which could be seen as an attempt to manipulate public perception in favor of the church.
Comparative Context and Broader Implications
In the larger media landscape, this article fits into a narrative that often seeks to highlight positive aspects of religious leadership amid broader social challenges. The reactions from the community may resonate more with conservative or traditional Catholic audiences, who are looking for signs of rejuvenation in their faith. The article may also appeal to those who appreciate personal stories and emotional connections to community and faith.
Future Scenarios and Societal Impact
The excitement surrounding Pope Leo XIV's election could lead to a temporary increase in church attendance and engagement among Catholics, providing a brief revival in interest. However, without addressing systemic issues, this excitement may not translate into long-term growth. The article's emotional appeal may also influence local political dynamics, encouraging support for policies that align with religious values.
Economic and Political Considerations
While the immediate economic impact of this news might be minimal, the long-term effects on local businesses and community initiatives tied to the church could be significant as attendance potentially rises. Politically, this may galvanize local leaders to engage more actively with the church in community-building efforts.
Global Context and Power Dynamics
This news does resonate on a global scale, particularly as the Catholic Church continues to navigate modernity and declining influence in many regions. The election of a pope from a major urban center in America could signal a shift in how the church seeks to connect with urban populations worldwide.
AI Influence in Reporting
It's plausible that AI-assisted tools were used in crafting this article, especially in structuring narratives and identifying key emotional cues. However, the human touch evident in personal stories suggests careful editorial oversight. If AI did influence the article, it may have contributed to emphasizing emotional narratives to attract readers.
In conclusion, while the article highlights community excitement over Pope Leo XIV, it simultaneously glosses over deeper issues of decline within the Catholic Church. The narrative serves both to inspire hope and potentially distract from ongoing challenges, suggesting a nuanced agenda behind its publication.