The Windy City flavor found its way to the Vatican this weekend as Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago native turned pontiff, rang in his 70th birthday with a taste of home. According to NBC Chicago, Brian Burch, the fresh U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See handed the supreme Catholic leader a Portillo's Famous Chocolate Cake, a customary birthday fare for those hailing from the Illinois metropolis.
The cake delivery was not the only nod to Pope Leo XIV's heritage. Burch, himself from Chicago's suburbs, added a geographical connection between the Vatican and Chicago, while the birthday celebrations back in the Pope's hometown of Dolton featured music, and prayers from local clergy. The Pope's brother, John Prevost, playfully reminded Leo XIV to "be careful going down the stairs," as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
This sentiment toward aging with caution seems juxtaposed against the fanfare of the Vatican party on Saturday night, which saw big names such as Jennifer Hudson, Andrea Bocelli, and Pharrell Williams serenading the pope ahead of his 70th year. A stunning drone show took to the skies afterward, infusing modern tech into venerable tradition.
The second-year pope, was indeed treated to the "Leo" sandwich by Portillo's back in May, a divine take on an Italian beef sandwich that whether it will make a return is up for speculation. In Dolton, a sense of pride bubbled among the streets as the village hosted its celebration for the pontiff at his childhood home on 141st Street, embracing Pope Leo XIV as one of their own and mirroring the joyous concert at the Vatican, music and all.
