Chicago’s Leo XIV Sparks a Surge of Divine Laughter: ‘DA POPE!’

CHICAGO — The election of Pope Leo XIV as the first American pontiff has ignited a wave of humor and creativity. Memes, image edits, and parodies have surged, bringing a lighthearted touch to the serious world of the Vatican.

In the fervor of this moment, the humor reflects a distinctive Chicago flair. From stained-glass portrayals of basketball legend Michael Jordan to playful jabs at local cuisine, the city’s identity has infused the discourse. “You just saw a billion jokes,” said Chad Nackers, editor-in-chief of The Onion, who highlighted the amusing image of the pope pictured in a poppyseed-dotted bun.

With Chicago’s rich cultural landscape, humor thrives. The juxtaposition of a man representing divine authority against the backdrop of the city generates a unique comedic blend. “It’s just kind of ripe for humor,” Nackers noted, capturing the essence of the city’s spirit.

The Chicago Sun-Times made headlines with, “DA POPE!” echoing the city’s accent and playful spirit. Regardless of Pope Leo XIV’s actual appearance, he’s been humorously reimagined as a relatable figure, complete with a Bears cap.

As the Second City basks in this spotlight, familiar tropes and references proliferate. Ideas like trading the popemobile for a Dodge Monaco from “The Blues Brothers” and reimagining shows to feature a “Chicago Pope” are prevalent. The playful fantasy of substituting traditional communion elements with local delicacies also captures the zeitgeist.

The city’s sports culture doesn’t escape this comedic wave either. Initial assumptions about Pope Leo XIV’s baseball affiliations sparked debates over whether he favored the Cubs or the White Sox. His actual support for the White Sox didn’t dampen the enthusiasm among Cubs fans who celebrated the humor.

Late-night talk shows wasted no time in joining the revelry. Jimmy Fallon joked about “deep-dish communion wafers” while Stephen Colbert playfully invoked patriotic chants. “I’m actually surprised by how excited I am,” Jimmy Kimmel remarked, capturing the collective joy of this unprecedented appointment.

As the excitement continues, further humor is sure to emerge, including jokes about canonizing local icons and the Chicago River’s green dye. “There’s just a lot of joy in the city right now,” remarked theologian Ashley Lenz. “Seeing something sacred woven into everyday life makes the papacy feel more human.”

This lighthearted atmosphere not only unites Chicagoans but also offers a fresh perspective on the papacy, blending the sacred and the ordinary.

Associated Press writer Melina Walling contributed to this report from Chicago.