The Windy City in the Vatican: What Happens When the Holy Father is a White Sox Fan
Presented by Tim Dulle Jr., PhD
Executive Director of The Jesuit Center at the University of Scranton

For centuries, the idea of an American Pope was considered a “dark horse” fantasy—a geopolitical impossibility. That changed on May 8, 2025, when Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago stepped onto the balcony as Pope Leo XIV.

Join Tim Dulle for a look at the “All-American Pope” that skips the dry hagiography and gets straight to the South Side roots. We’ll explore how a kid from Dolton, Ill., went from teaching math at St. Rita High School to leader of 1.4 billion Catholics. Dulle will discuss how his choice of the name “Leo” is actually a radical nod to labor rights and the “Industrial Revolution” of AI. Whether you’re interested in global politics, the future of the church, or just want to know if the Vatican cafeteria is now serving Aurelio’s Pizza, this talk will break down why having a Chicagoan in the Chair of Peter is the ultimate “local boy makes good” story.

This event is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to participate in these events, please contact Wendy Franz at least two weeks before the event at wfranz@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3646, to discuss your accessibility needs.