Inside Pope's Sandwich: 'The Leo' Pays Homage To Pope's Chicago Roots With Classic Italian Beef Sandwich
The Windy City is eating up a divine dose of pride as one of its own, Cardinal Robert Prevost, has ascended to the highest spiritual office on Earth, becoming Pope Leo XIV-the first American to do so. From Vatican halls to Chicago's famed culinary scene, the city’s joy is being served up hot, hearty, and sprinkled with humor.
No one does celebratory sandwiches quite like Chicago, and Portillo’s has taken the lead with an inspired twist on a local classic. Introducing 'The Leo'-a reimagined Italian beef sandwich created in honor of the city’s holy son. It’s not just lunch; it’s liturgy.
The sandwich features tender, thin-sliced Italian beef soaked in rich gravy, lovingly cradled in a sturdy yet soft roll that soaks up every blessed drop without falling apart. But the magic lies in the toppings: Portillo’s calls it 'the holy trinity of peppers'-sweet peppers, spicy giardiniera, or a righteous blend of both for the true believers. It’s a culinary homage to faith, flavor, and Chicago flair.
And the timing couldn’t be more fitting-May is Italian Beef Month in Chicago. With clever marketing and even cleverer seasoning, Portillo’s may have found the perfect recipe for both reverence and relevance. Their tagline says it all: “In the name of the gravy, the bun, and hot giard-we introduce The Leo.”
Sweet salvation at Bennison’s Bakery
Just up north in Evanston, Bennison’s Bakery has added a heavenly dash of whimsy to the festivities. Their Pope Leo XIV sugar cookies, topped with festive sprinkles and decorated with delight, have become a crowd favorite. “Come get yours before they ascend,” reads their cheeky Instagram caption-a line that earned plenty of likes and laughs from followers.
It’s the kind of community spirit that defines Chicago: equal parts reverent and irreverent and delightful.
The city that eats together, celebrates together
While the Pope himself hasn’t yet blessed-or bitten into-his namesake sandwich, Chicagoans are already lining up to taste this holy creation. With generous portions, bold flavors, and no trace of culinary pretense, “The Leo” embodies everything the city loves about itself. And in true Chicago fashion, no occasion is too sacred for a sandwich celebration.
Locals are taking pride in their homegrown pontiff, and these edible tributes-from juicy beef to sugary saints-are a heartfelt (and hunger-fueled) salute to this historic moment.
From the vatican to the lakefront
Pope Leo XIV’s full title may be a mouthful-“Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles…”-but Chicago’s favorite mouthful might just be his namesake sandwich. Perhaps when His Holiness returns, he’ll skip the pomp and opt for an Italian beef, dipped and double-peppered.
Until then, the city continues to revel in this flavorful fusion of faith and food, showing that when it comes to celebrating, Chicago’s got the recipe for something truly divine.
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