As many as 150,000 people turned out in the Vatican Sunday for Pope Leo XIV's installation mass, and many Chicagoans made the journey to Rome to represent their hometown pope. For a select few, the day was more special than they ever imagined.

Chicagoans in Rome this weekend who knew the former Robert Prevost during his religious studies on the South Side and work in Peru say he will lead the Catholic Church "with a deep sensitivity for people who are the most suffering,

The former Cardinal Robert Prevost vowed to work for unity. “I think he will inspire,” said Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach.