Chicago Bears Honor New Pope with Statue Unveiling in His Hometown
*May 23, 2025 – Chicago, IL*
In a historic and deeply symbolic gesture that bridges faith and football, the Chicago Bears have officially unveiled a statue of Pope Leo XIV in his hometown of Chicago. The bronze monument, situated just outside Soldier Field, commemorates the newly elected pope’s lifelong devotion to the city, his unwavering Bears fandom, and his extraordinary spiritual journey from the South Side to the Vatican.
The unveiling drew thousands of onlookers, from local clergy and Catholic faithful to diehard Bears fans and city officials. Cheers erupted as the curtain was lifted from the statue, which depicts Pope Leo XIV in full papal regalia — miter, robes, and all — with a Bears scarf draped over his shoulders and a hand raised in benediction.
**A Hometown Hero Elevated to Global Leader**
Pope Leo XIV, born Michael Francis Donnelly in 1961, grew up in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, where his twin loves were his Catholic faith and Chicago sports. Long before rising through the ranks of the Catholic Church, he was a familiar face in the pews of St. Jerome’s Parish and in the bleachers at Soldier Field, often wearing his beloved #34 Walter Payton jersey.
Earlier this year, Donnelly made global headlines when he was elected pope following the resignation of Pope Francis II. As the first American to hold the papacy, his election sparked immense pride in Chicago and across the United States. The Bears organization, moved by his story and his well-documented allegiance to the team, proposed the statue to honor the spiritual leader’s roots and his place in Chicago’s cultural fabric.
**The Ceremony: Reverence and Celebration**
The unveiling ceremony was a unique blend of reverence and revelry. Cardinal Blase Cupich led a prayer of blessing, while Bears chairman George McCaskey addressed the crowd, calling the pope “a son of Chicago and a symbol of unity, compassion, and lifelong loyalty — not only to the Church, but to the Bears.”
“I remember hearing stories about Mike showing up to seminary classes with a rosary in one pocket and a Bears cap in the other,” McCaskey said. “Now, he’s the spiritual leader of over a billion people — and still a season-ticket holder in spirit.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson also delivered remarks, declaring May 23 as “Pope Leo XIV Day” in Chicago. “He represents everything great about this city: grit, faith, resilience, and yes — unwavering support for our Bears.”
The statue was designed by renowned sculptor Edith Martinez, who said her goal was to “capture the humility of Pope Leo XIV with the pride and strength of the city that shaped him.” The base of the statue is inscribed with one of the pope’s most memorable quotes from his inaugural address: “Love your neighbor. And never count out the Bears in the fourth quarter.”
**Fans and Clergy React**
The reaction from attendees was one of emotional pride. Many locals, who remembered Donnelly as “Father Mike,” spoke of his kindness, sense of humor, and enduring love for Chicago.
“I used to see him at Mass and at Bears games,” said 68-year-old parishioner Lorraine Gallagher. “Now he’s the pope. I still can’t believe it. This statue — it’s perfect. He’s one of us.”
Several priests and bishops from the Archdiocese of Chicago attended the event, along with Vatican representatives who traveled from Rome to witness the occasion. Father Daniel Ahern, a longtime friend of the pope, said the moment was “both surreal and sacred. Chicago gave the world a pope, and this is how we say thank you.”
Bears fans also took the opportunity to celebrate in true Windy City fashion, with tailgates, marching bands, and choruses of “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” ringing through the streets surrounding Soldier Field.
**Global and Local Impact**
While some eyebrows were raised at the idea of a football team erecting a statue to the pope, many applauded the initiative as a testament to the power of local pride and the wide-reaching influence of Pope Leo XIV.
His papacy has already been marked by a focus on social justice, environmental stewardship, and engagement with younger generations. His connection to his Chicago upbringing — regularly referenced in homilies and speeches — has made him a relatable and beloved figure, not just for Catholics, but for communities worldwide.
The statue unveiling also comes amid broader citywide celebrations, including a special exhibit at the Chicago History Museum chronicling Pope Leo’s life, and a Vatican-themed night at Wrigley Field.
**A Lasting Tribute**
The statue of Pope Leo XIV now stands proudly among Chicago’s most iconic monuments — a testament to the city’s rich tapestry of faith, sport, and community. It represents not only a tribute to a man who rose from the city’s heart to the heights of global leadership, but a celebration of the unity that Chicagoans find in shared identity — whether in worship or at the fifty-yard line.
As twilight settled over Soldier Field, a group of choir singers from St. Jerome’s performed “Ave Maria,” followed by the crowd singing “Sweet Home Chicago” in unison.
For the people of Chicago, the moment was unforgettable. And for Pope Leo XIV, watching remotely from the Apostolic Palace, it was, in his words: “A blessing greater than I could ever imagine — and a reminder that no matter where I serve, my heart is always in Chicago.”
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