Shrines near Pope Leo XIV’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois

The new Bishop of Rome was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois.

He spent his childhood and adolescence with his family in the Southside Dolton neighborhood. He studied first at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers and then at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where in 1977 he earned a Degree in Mathematics and also studied Philosophy. In Honor of his papacy, here are 7 shrines near Pope Leo XIV's hometown of Chicago.

1. National Shrine of Saint Jude – Saint Jude League

2. The Dominican Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus

3. National Shrine of Frances Xavier Cabrini

4. The National Shrine of Saint Peregrine

5. Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine

6. National Shrine of St. Anne, Our Lady of Fatima Church

7. St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel

For many, the idea of a Pope from the United States was, "highly unlikely" or even "impossible." But Thursday proved once again that "nothing is impossible with God." It is interesting that just 18 miles from the pontiff’s home neighborhood of Dolton, Illinois, is a shrine dedicated to the patron saint of impossible causes. The National Shrine of Saint Jude – Saint Jude League

A Statue of St. Jude holding a Medal with Jesus' Image can be seen at the National Shrine of St. Jude in Chicago.

As the first Pope from the Augustinian Friars, we would also like to give a special mention to the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in Pennsylvania, which is run by the Augustinian Friars.

A Statue of Cascia is adorned with flowers at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia in Pennsylvania

"Habemus Papa! The work of the Holy Spirit is complete and we are blessed with a new Pope!

We pray for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and will continue our NASPA mission of bringing light into the world through our Shrines! On behalf of our NASPA board, we welcome Pope Leo XIV and send our prayers! May God shower his papacy with blessings, grace and peace!" - Carol Bezak, NASPA President