Introduction to Aurelio’s New Pizza
CHICAGO — Suburban pizza chain Aurelio’s Pizza is plating up a new “Poperoni Pizza” in honor of a very special customer: Chicago native and newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
The Inspiration Behind the Pizza
Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV has been known to eat at Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood, dining there last summer with high school and college classmate Jim Priestly, the Tribune reported in May. The chain immediately designated a “Pope Leo XIV table” in the restaurant and began hinting at a possible pizza in his honor — and they announced their Pope-inspired pizza Thursday.
Features of the Poperoni Pizza
The Poperoni Pizza features a full layer of Aurelio’s “cup and crisp pepperoni” (pepperoni that curls up once it’s cooked) on top of its traditional pepperoni pizza. “The cup and crisp pepperoni adds texture, spice, flavor and value to every bite,” per the pizza chain.
Availability of the Poperoni Pizza
While Aurelio’s closed its last Chicago location in the South Loop on May 31, the Poperoni Pizza is available at all locations, including La Grange, Oakbrook, Hammond and South Holland.
Lucas Knudsen, 11, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lakeview, attends the celebration of Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field Saturday, June 14, 2025. Credit: Heidi Zeiger for Block Club Chicago
Pope Leo XIV’s Connection to Chicago
Pope Leo XIV was born in Bronzeville in 1955 and grew up in south suburban Dolton, attending church at St. Mary of the Assumption on the Far Southeast Side. He also attended the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park from 1978 to 1982 and taught in local Catholic schools, including serving as a substitute teacher at St. Rita High School in Ashburn, the Sun-Times reported.
The Pope’s Love for Chicago Sports
Along with his love for Chicago pizza, Pope Leo XIV is also a longtime White Sox fan, sharing a video message with fans at Rate Field last month.
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Conclusion
Aurelio’s Pizza has introduced a new pizza in honor of Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and newly elected Pope. The Poperoni Pizza features a full layer of Aurelio’s "cup and crisp pepperoni" on top of its traditional pepperoni pizza. This new pizza is available at all Aurelio’s locations, including La Grange, Oakbrook, Hammond, and South Holland.
FAQs
Q: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
A: Pope Leo XIV is the newly elected Pope and a Chicago native.
Q: What is the Poperoni Pizza?
A: The Poperoni Pizza is a new pizza introduced by Aurelio’s Pizza in honor of Pope Leo XIV, featuring a full layer of Aurelio’s "cup and crisp pepperoni" on top of its traditional pepperoni pizza.
Q: Where is the Poperoni Pizza available?
A: The Poperoni Pizza is available at all Aurelio’s locations, including La Grange, Oakbrook, Hammond, and South Holland.
Q: What is Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Chicago?
A: Pope Leo XIV was born in Bronzeville, grew up in south suburban Dolton, and attended church and school in the Chicago area.
Q: Is Pope Leo XIV a sports fan?
A: Yes, Pope Leo XIV is a longtime White Sox fan and shared a video message with fans at Rate Field last month.
