Chicago Native Pope Leo XIV Inspires Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza Tribute

Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has sparked local culinary tributes celebrating his papacy, especially highlighting his preference for Chicago-style thin crust pizza over the city's famous deep dish. Just months before his election, the Pope visited Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood, Illinois, and ordered a pepperoni thin crust pizza, leading the restaurant to create a limited-time "pope-erroni pizza" and designate his booth as the "Pope's Table." Chicago's thin crust, or tavern-style pizza, is characterized by its crispy, square-cut slices and is a staple in local bars, often overshadowed by the deep dish. While some close to the Pope recall his fondness for Italian food and pizzas he made during his seminary days, the thin crust variety aligns with authentic Chicago neighborhood pizza traditions. This local pride around the Pope's culinary preferences has also sparked broader discussions of Chicago's pizza culture, contrasting the deep dish with other regional styles favored by residents. The tributes reflect both the community's pride in their hometown Pope and an appreciation for their unique food heritage.