Papal Humor: Chicago’s Leo XIV Inspires Comedy

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    A cardinal originating from Chicago steps into a conclave, leading to a cascade of humor that seems to write itself. The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first pontiff from America has transformed into a source of endless amusement. With everything from doctored images to playful memes, the city of Chicago finds itself as deeply entrenched in jokes as its famous deep-dish pizza and fully loaded hot dogs.

    Imaginary scenarios, such as stained-glass portraying Michael Jordan in mid-dunk or canon laws proclaiming ketchup-laden hot dogs sinful, swirl around with surprising vigor. Even the idea of cameo in television shows like “The Bear” tickles the public’s fancy.

    The Onion, the popular satirical publication, reveled in the moment with an image depicting the new pope, Robert Prevost, lounging inside a poppyseed bun under the headline, “Conclave Selects First Chicago-Style Pope.” According to Chad Nackers, the editor-in-chief, the tremendous pageantry and the divine role of the pope create fertile ground for humor. Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots only widen the comedic avenues to explore.

    As one Chicago Sun-Times headline “DA POPE!” underscored the distinct Chicago accent that “Saturday Night Live” humorously immortalized. This comedic take paints Pope Leo XIV not as a solemn religious figure but as a familiar, approachable figure—a moustache-sporting everyman swapping his zucchetto for a Bears cap.

    Chicago pranced across the comedic stage, complete with more local stereotypes than the Second City’s famous improv troupe could muster. Imaginations replaced the popemobile with the infamous Dodge Monaco from “The Blues Brothers.” Other creations included twists on TV shows like “Chicago Hope” into “Chicago Pope,” with seemingly endless riffs about replacing communion elements with Italian beef from Portillo’s or the city’s unique bitter liqueur, Malört.

    Chicago’s love for sports intertwined seamlessly with papal updates. Initial assumptions about the new pope’s baseball alliances presumed favor for the Cubs. Caitlin Hendricks, a content creator, quipped that it would be ironic for a Pope to dislike the Cardinals. However, the man in white turns out to be a White Sox supporter after all.

    Residents in Wrigleyville embraced humor by snapping up Cubs jerseys adorned with Pope Leo XIV’s name. Chad Grant, another local, expressed sympathy rather than disdain for the seething White Sox-supporting pontiff, remarking on the ‘losing streak’ that comes with supporting the Sox.

    In the realm of late-night television, hosts found fertile comedy ground, with Jimmy Fallon humorously imagining “deep-dish communion wafers.” On the other hand, Stephen Colbert, blending his devout Catholicism with his comedy, unveiled patriotic chants and “da prayers” in a heavy Chicago accent.

    Jimmy Kimmel joined the fray, expressing his curiosity about an American heading the church as akin to the fascination when the first Olive Garden opened—an amusing reflection on American-Italian culture.

    Expectations grow for ongoing light-hearted humor, from Ferris Bueller tributes to idealizing Mike Ditka’s canonization. Anticipate also Oprah’s spirited exclamation with everyone receiving a ‘new pope,’ and countless memes inserting the pope amidst Chicago’s cultural icons, like its emerald-dyed river or mirrored “Cloud Gate” sculpture.

    Ashley Lenz, a theologian immersed in Chicago’s Catholic community, captures this collective joy, pondering how kindred it feels to have a pope who might’ve cheered enthusiastically at a Sox game. To her, this affinity transforms the papacy into something distinctly human and familiar.