Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was born in Chicago and grew up in south suburban Dolton.

Why it matters: Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he now heads the Catholic Church, which has some 1.4 billion members worldwide. But Pope Leo's power will transcend the faith community as he assumes a role with vast diplomatic and social influence.

Flashback: Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1977 and continued his education at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.

• He's a member of the Augustine Order and was director of formation at the Saint Augustine Convent in Chicago as well as vocation director at Mother of Good Counsel in Olympia Fields, according to his Vatican biography.

Between the lines: The new pope is generally seen to be continuing the more progressive stances that Pope Francis voiced — a more open, inclusive church focused on giving voice to the voiceless.

Zoom in: Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of the Chicago Archdiocese, was one of the voting members of the conclave, but he didn't express what exact qualities he was looking for in the next pope, according to Bishop Larry Sullivan, who works closely with Cupich.

• "I would say that he entered into the conclave completely open to the movement of the Holy Spirit," Sullivan said yesterday at Holy Name Cathedral.

On the significance of the name: "Most heartening to me is [Leo's] choice of name, which obviously contains an allusion to Leo XIII, and his famous text Rerum Novarum. This supported labor rights and unions in the church at the dawn of the contemporary world," Loyola University scholar Michael Canaris tells Axios.

What's next: Holy Name Cathedral is hosting a special Mass to celebrate Pope Leo XIV at 8am Friday.

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When word came of Pope Leo XIV's Chicago roots, witty local comments flooded social media, even from our elected leaders.

• "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago," Mayor Brandon Johnson posted.

The vibe: Jokesters quickly pointed to Chicago's famous "dems and dos" speech pattern, calling the new pope "Da Pope" and sharing memes of the "Superfans" sketch from "Saturday Night Live."

Here are some of the best early reactions:

• "Deep dish eucharist," Eion Higgins posted on Bluesky.
• "Previously on Chicago Pope…" comedian Sandy Marshall joked, in reference to Dick Wolf's Chicago procedural television dramas.
• "The new Pope says he's from Chicago but he's *actually* from Naperville," broadcaster Mike Golic Jr. joked.

Read more papal bits

President Trump is returning to one of his favorite punching bags: former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. And she's not taking it sitting down.

The big picture: In Trump's recent attacks on Harvard University, he has singled out the school's hiring of Lightfoot and former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as reasons why the university should lose federal funding.

• He lambasted Lightfoot on social media, calling her a "Radical Left fool" and "evil."

What he said: "Certainly two of the worst mayors in the history of our country," Trump said at a recent cabinet meeting.

Yes, but: Lightfoot has heard it before.

• "No credible university in the universe would allow Donald Trump to teach a dog to sit. So consider the source," Lightfoot said on stage at the Axios Office Hours event last night.

Flashback: During the president's first term, Trump and Lightfoot sparred dramatically over everything from violence, immigration and the city's pandemic response.

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🏒 Former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is returning to the NHL after being banished for his role in covering up sexual assault allegations in 2010. He will coach the Anaheim Ducks. (SI)

💃🏽 Michelada Fest, scheduled for Oakwood Beach in July, was abruptly cancelled this week over uncertainty around artist visas. The Latino music festival features 60% international artists. (Tribune)

🌭 Tomorrow, Byron's Hot Dogs on Irving Park will be celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering 59-cent hot dogs from noon to 4pm or while supplies last.

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Jake Sullivan on How Foreign Policy Should Resonate at Home at Chicago Council Conference Center on May 29: Join the Council for a conversation with former White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan as he shares his insights on the need for a foreign policy that benefits everyday Americans.

Food Truck Festival at 2300 S Indiana Ave on June 28: Taste your way through Chicago's top gourmet food trucks and local tent vendors, all while enjoying an exciting collaboration with the Chicago Margarita Festival. $0-$80.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Comedian Jon Glaser is coming back to Chicago next week with his one-man show "Jon Glaser's Soothing Meditations For The Solitary Dog."

What they're saying: "My show is very loosely based off/inspired by a comedy album I made," Glaser tells Axios.

Zoom in: Glaser built a fabulous career after leaving Chicago in the mid-'90s. He's written and performed for several late-night comedy shows and starred in shows like HBO's "Girls" and NBC's "Parks & Recreation."

Flashback: He got his start at Second City, where he returns for his one-man show on Thursday.

In a fit of nostalgia, he recalled for us what his perfect day looked like in 1995.

🍟 Breakfast: "I lived near Belmont and Damen and often went to the sadly now closed Man-Jo-Vin's for many an inexpensive meal. I think they had breakfast, but honestly don't remember. I do remember eating a ton of fries."

🛌 Morning activity: "Whether it was after an improv class or Second City show, I was usually going out late, so my preferred morning activity was sleep. I know that doesn't sound very 'Chicago,' but my pillow was a slice of Lou Malnati's deep dish."

🥪 Lunch: "Village Tap in Roscoe Village."

More of Glaser's day in 1995

👋 Hi, it's Justin!

This weekend is Mother's Day and we have just the gift: A new Kaufmann quiz!

Last year, we did a Mother's Day quiz, but Chicago's matriarchal history is worth more than just 10 questions.

• So let's do another 10!

State of play: We had a few winners on last week's Senate quiz. Congrats to Chris D., Andy R., Matt A., and Christine W.!

• As always, reply to this email with a screenshot of your perfect score and I'll shout you out next week.

Now, Mother, may I quiz? Yes, you can!