Pope Leo XIV Reflects on His Chicago Roots with Vatican Youth
Pope Leo XIV shared his childhood memories of serving as an altar boy in Chicago during an unscripted visit to a Vatican summer camp. Speaking at the Vatican audience hall, Leo engaged with children, including Ukrainian youth, highlighting his early devotion to Mass and its lasting impact on him.
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Pope Leo XIV, during a surprise visit to a Vatican summer camp, recalled his early years as an altar boy in Chicago. He spoke to the gathered children about waking up early to serve Mass and the friendships he forged during those formative experiences.
The event, held in the Vatican's primary audience hall, drew around 600 children, featuring various activities including inflatable bouncy castles. Leo, originally named Robert Prevost, shared nostalgic memories of his family attending weekly Mass, emphasizing the role of his upbringing in nurturing his faith and desire to become a priest.
Addressing a group of Ukrainian children in English, Pope Leo stressed the importance of cultural diversity and meeting individuals from various backgrounds. His impromptu remarks highlighted a rare departure from his usual scripted appearances, marking a warm engagement with the youth of the Vatican community.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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