What to see in Chicago, the hometown of the new Pope Leo XIV

Known as the Windy City, the capital of the state of Illinois is one of the most iconic cultural, culinary, and architectural hubs in the United States. Chicago , the third largest city in the country, is known for its enormous skyscrapers and its location on the shores of Lake Michigan, but it now stands out among Catholic faithful as the birthplace of the new Pope Leo XIV. At 69 years of age, he became the first American to occupy the position of head of state of Vatican City last Thursday, May 8th. So, here's what you can't miss if you visit the city.

The city where the first American pope grew up

Aerial view of the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois

The American pope was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, home to more than 2,700,000 residents. Leo XIV grew up in the city's southern suburbs as a parishioner at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.

Chicago has witnessed some of the most significant advances in modern history. In 1884, the first skyscraper in the United States, known as the Home Insurance Building, was built there. It was also the site of a pivotal moment for humanity: the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction , which marked the beginning of the atomic age. It was also a pioneer in modern commerce, being the birthplace of mail-order retailing.

Chicago's cultural heritage is also extensive, as it is home to musical genres such as gospel, house, footwork, electric booze, juke, and drill. It also boasts more than 580 parks and a vast network of green spaces spanning over 33 square kilometers. Its entertainment offering includes theaters, movie theaters, and a significant sports scene with teams that have impressive stadium locations throughout the city.

Must-see places

A stroll through Millennium Park, one of the city's most important parks, is also a must. It's home to Cloud Gate, one of Chicago's most iconic public art sculptures. You can't miss the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the 10-kilometer-long Lincoln Park .

Without a doubt, during your visit to Chicago, you must also observe the 600 species and more than 120,000 plants housed in the Garfield Park Botanical Conservatory, located west of the city. It is the third largest glass-enclosed garden in the world. It is also an ideal experience for families, as it has areas for practicing baseball, basketball, tennis, swimming, and boxing, with a playground, a cycling area, and a gym.