Thousands went to the first American pope’s old haunt on the South Side to hear a message from the man they once knew as Robert Francis Prevost.

Chicago is to fete its first pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost turned Leo XIV, on Saturday. (ANSA)

Thousands went to the first American pope’s old haunt on the South Side to hear a message from the man they once knew as Robert Francis Prevost.

Chicago held a celebration on Saturday at the home of the White Sox to fully embrace the city’s connection to the new leader of the Catholic Church.

There’s a growing schism in the first American pope’s hometown. At stake is his childhood home. An auction for the house closes June 18.