The unassuming parish where a future pope was once an altar boy
Sport is religion in Chicago. The biggest question locals had here once Cardinal Robert Prevost became the new pope was which baseball team he suppor…
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Hometown Hero: Pope Leo's Childhood Parish Awaits Restoration
The election of Pope Leo has brought renewed attention to his childhood parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Riverdale, Chicago. The church, currently in a state of disrepair, holds significant memories for many local residents. "I would come to church on Sundays with my aunt," recalls James Garcia, a lifelong parishioner. "And my aunt knew the Pope's mom." The video shows the church's dilapidated interior, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Holy Name Cathedral where a mass was held to celebrate the new Pope's election. Parishioners expressed pride, with Laura Spingola noting the "fabulous" integration of Pope Leo's diverse experiences in Chicago and Peru into his papacy. The renewed interest in Pope Leo's roots has sparked discussion about the potential restoration of St. Mary's, a symbol of the community's connection to its new global leader.
