Last Thursday, the palpal conclave selected the new pope to succeed Pope Francis. Much to most people’s surprise, the new leader of the Catholic Church is an American. Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first pope to hail from the United States and North America. He grew up in Chicago’s South Side and spent much of his religious career in Peru.
Pope Leo XIV’s childhood in Chicago is a great point of pride and interest for Chicago natives and Americans alike. Some people online are joking that he will bring Chicagoland foods to the Catholic Church, replacing communion crackers with deep dish pizza.
Although this is highly unlikely, you can still celebrate Pope Leo XIV by indulging in some iconic Chicago foods. As a student from Northwestern who takes the L into downtown Chicago often to try all of its best foods, here’s my recommendation of Chicago delicacies that Pope Leo XIV likely grew up eating.
Garrett Popcorn
This is the must-have walking snack for Chicagoans and visitors alike. Garrett Popcorn is simply the best popcorn you’ll ever have. The kernels are kettle popped and seasoned with different flavors — but if you want to try Garrett’s most popular offering, try Garrett Mix, a combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn. The popcorn is amazingly crunchy, with just enough bite. The cheddar kernels are nice and greasy, with a cheesy, savory flavor and bright orange coloring. They nicely contrast the caramel popcorn, with a sweet and crunchy toffee-like coating. Garrett Popcorn has standalone stores all around Chicago, but you can also purchase prepacked bags at grocery stores, online, or even at Chicago’s two airports. The Pope definitely snacked on a bag of Garrett Mix on his way to the palpal conclave.
Chicago Dogs
Chicago dogs may sound like an overload of toppings, but somehow, everything works together perfectly. A hot dog in a poppy seed bun, this monstrosity is topped with mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, and celery salt. Chicago dogs are tangy and savory, perfect for a day in Rate Field as Pope Leo XIV cheers on his favorite White Sox. Try them at a baseball game, Superdawg, Jimmy’s Red Hots, or honestly anywhere.
Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish is probably the most controversial of Chicago’s iconic foods. You either love it, or you hate it. Deep dish is served in a cast iron skillet, with a thick layer of dough topped with cheese on the bottom and red sauce on the top. This type of pizza is definitely for the indulgent. If you’re looking for a long cheese pull and a dinner that will send you into a food coma, this is the dish for you. Make your way over to Pequod’s Pizza for the best taste of deep dish.
Italian Beef
Recently re-popularized by Hulu’s The Bear, Italian beef is unarguably the best American sandwich out there. Consisting of thinly sliced beef on a hoagie dipped in beef broth, Italian beef is commonly served with sweet green peppers or giardiniera (a pickled vegetable mix). And boy, is it delicious. There is absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to Italian beef — it’s juicy to the point of dripping down your arms. If you’re visiting Chicago, make a trip down to Mr. Beef or Al’s #1 Italian Beef for the meal Pope Leo XIV definitely craves from the Vatican.
Rainbow Cone
Wrapping up this list is a childhood classic that the Pope likely ate on hot summer days by Lake Michigan. The Original Rainbow Cone serves up five flavors of ice cream piled up high onto a cake cone: Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet. Rainbow Cones are the perfect balance of fruity and indulgent flavors, with a creamy texture to crave. Plus, this Chicago delicacy originates from Chicago’s South Side, just like Pope Leo XIV.