In which U.S. city was Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, raised before entering religious life?

Robert Prevost, who would later become Pope Leo XIV, was indeed raised in the vibrant U.S. city of Chicago. Born in 1955 on the city's South Side, his early life was deeply rooted in the Catholic community of the area. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and its school, where his family's strong faith provided a foundation (Review) for his future religious calling. His childhood home was in Dolton, a suburb directly bordering the far South Side of Chicago, further cementing his connection to the metropolitan area before he entered religious life.

Prevost's journey into the priesthood began with his studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he earned a degree in theology. This period in Chicago helped shape his understanding of the Church and its mission, preparing him for a distinguished career that would eventually lead him to serve as a missionary in Peru and later hold significant leadership roles within the Augustinian order. His deep roots in the diverse and dynamic environment of Chicago are often cited as influential in his formation.

The historic election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marked him as the first American-born pontiff, a moment of immense significance for Catholics in the United States and globally. His upbringing in Chicago, a city known for its rich Catholic heritage and diverse communities, provided him with a unique perspective that he carried into his papacy. This background is considered to have contributed to his pastoral approach and his understanding of global issues facing the Church.