Pope Leo, the first American pope in history, has been sparking joyful reactions online after accepting a playful gift from a traveling family from the United States. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, took up the papacy in early 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. Since then, he’s captured the world’s attention as he brings a modern touch to the Vatican.
In June, the pope delighted Chicago fans by sporting a Chicago White Sox baseball cap alongside his traditional papal attire. Recently, a US family presented the 69-year-old pontiff with a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Da Pope,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to an iconic Saturday Night Live sketch about Chicago sports fans.
Bears fans traveled to Rome and gave Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV a shirt that says "Da Pope"
(🎥 via Ann Bannapradist Munoz/FB) pic.twitter.com/9TTiZBLT64
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 22, 2025
The internet quickly embraced this rare sight—a pope accepting such a lighthearted, offbeat gift—since popes are traditionally very formal and reserved. Many found it hilarious and heartwarming to see Pope Leo fully embrace the joke.
Social media users joked that after this fun interaction, the church might hesitate before choosing another American pope. Others appreciated the gesture as a sign of hometown pride and a glimpse of the pope’s approachable personality.
Pope Leo’s warm smile and his attentive stances on global issues like support for Gaza and Ukraine have earned admiration from many, especially from fellow Chicagoans who feel a special connection to him.
Some noted how he balances his serious role with charm and humor, even signing a Pokémon card and acknowledging the fun in his work. This mingling of tradition and modernity has made Pope Leo a beloved figure as he continues to engage with people globally and from his home city.
