The Dicastery for Communication of the Vatican announced the premiere of the documentary “Leo from Chicago”, a production that, as highlighted by Vatican News, delves into the American roots of Pope Leo XIV, showing his childhood, education, and religious vocation in Chicago and other key places in his trajectory.
The work, produced in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Apostolate El Sembrador New Evangelization (ESNE), traces the first steps of Robert Prevost, who from childhood showed an inclination toward consecrated life and who, decades later, would be elected Pope on May 8, 2025.
Family Testimonies and Daily Life in Chicago
The documentary includes the accounts of his brothers, Louis and John, who open the doors of the family home in Dolton. It also collects scenes from parishes, schools, and Augustinian communities linked to the Pontiff, as well as places from his daily life such as the restaurant Aurelio’s Pizza or the stadium Rate Field, where he cheered for the White Sox.
The journalists Deborah Castellano Lubov, Salvatore Cernuzio, and Felipe Herrera-Espaliat lead this journey that extends to Villanova University, where he studied mathematics and theology, and to Florida, residence of his older brother. In total, nearly 30 witnesses contribute memories and anecdotes that draw the profile of a simple young man, lover of baseball and music from the 60s and 70s, but also determined to consecrate his life to God.
A Pope Who Turns 70
The release of the documentary coincides with the 70th birthday of Pope Leo XIV, celebrated today, September 14, 2025. This anniversary highlights the dimension of a shepherd who has gone from the neighborhoods of Chicago to the See of Peter, after an intense missionary experience in Peru and decisive service in the Roman Curia as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
In the words of Vatican News, the narrative shows a man who left his country to proclaim the Gospel, firmly guided the Order of Saint Augustine, and now leads the universal Church in a time marked by crises and challenges.
Continuity After “León de Perú”
The new documentary follows “León de Perú”, premiered in June, which narrated his years of mission in Latin American lands. Now, with “Leo from Chicago”, the Vatican media complete a portrait that unites the family and cultural roots of the Pope with the universal mission that now corresponds to him.
May this date also be an occasion to give thanks for the life of Leo XIV and to pray for him, asking that the Lord strengthen him in fidelity to tradition and guide him in the mission of leading the Church with wisdom and righteousness in a turbulent time.