CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo and his family have a long history on Chicago’s South Side.
One of the interesting pieces of information we are discovering today about the newly selected leader of the Catholic Church is that he used to teach at St. Rita High School on the South Side, an all-boys school.
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St. Rita said the Pope Leo XIV was a substitute physics teacher at the school, which follows the Augustinian order. He’s also an honorary alumnus.
St. Rita students watched the announcement of the new pope in pure bliss, taking in the unexpected connection.
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Pope Leo was born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and grew up in Dolton. His family has always been dedicated to Catholic education.
As per the Archdiocese of Catholic Schools, Pope Leo and his siblings all completed their studies at St. Mary of the Assumption located on the far South Side of the city.
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His father was the principal of Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Chicago Heights…
His mother worked as a librarian at Mendel Catholic High School in the Roseland neighborhood…
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His brother was the principal at St. Gabriel Catholic School in Chicago’s Canaryville neighborhood.
John Prevost, who lives in New Lenox, says he spoke to his younger sibling the night before the Conclave began.
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He says then-Cardinal Robert Prevost was conflicted in recent weeks, about becoming pope, but said he’d be ready if God called.
His brother expressed disbelief upon hearing the news, stating, “When they announced it and I saw him speaking, I felt like it wasn’t real, like I would wake up any minute. It’s something to be incredibly proud of, it’s an honor. However, I believe a great deal of responsibility will come with this.”
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John said his brother remains close to his family and connected to this area and also says the pope is in fact a White Sox fan.
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