In a historic conclave, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election has been met with widespread enthusiasm and a flurry of internet memes celebrating his Chicago roots and academic background.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with humorous takes on the new pope's origins. Users have joked about communion wafers being replaced with deep-dish pizza and speculated on whether the Vatican will now serve Malört, a notoriously bitter Chicago liqueur. One viral post quipped, "Finally Rome will have good pizza," while another playfully asked, "Is ketchup on a hot dog an actual sin?"
Pope Leo XIV's academic background has also become a focal point for online humor. Holding a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University, he has been dubbed the "Math Pope" by netizens. Memes have surfaced featuring mathematical puns and references, such as one Reddit user suggesting, "This, but with 'cross products' on both arms," in reference to the pope's blessing gesture.
The pope's Chicago heritage has further fueled the meme frenzy. Images have circulated depicting him in Chicago Bears attire, with captions like "The father, the son, and da Bears." Even former President Barack Obama joined in, tweeting, "This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church."
Beyond the humor, Pope Leo XIV's election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis's progressive legacy. Known for his missionary work in Peru and his leadership within the Augustinian order, he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to social justice to the papacy.
ABOUT POPE LEO XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV – is the first pope from the United States.
The 69-year-old from Chicago is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments. His election represents continuity with the papacy of the late Pope Francis, and he is expected to continue Francis’ reforms of the church as well as his focus on poverty and marginalised people.
Prevost was considered the “least American” of the US cardinals, having served for nearly a decade in Trujillo, Peru, and later as bishop of Chiclayo. He speaks fluent Spanish and Italian and is a member of the Augustinian order, which he once led as prior general.
Pope Francis appointed Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was made a cardinal in 2024. Known for his calm, balanced leadership, Pope Leo XIV considers himself a missionary and is a dual citizen of the US and Peru.
His papal name honours Pope Leo XIII, a champion of workers’ rights and the poor, signalling a continuation of that social mission. He is seen as a centrist unifier, progressive on issues of migration and poverty, and moderate on matters of Catholic doctrine.
Prevost studied mathematics at Villanova University, later receiving his theology diploma from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and studied canon law in Rome. In a past interview, he described himself as an amateur tennis player and an avid traveller.
The first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV is only the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas, after Pope Francis.
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