Overview
- Portillo's has renamed its Italian beef sandwich 'The Leo,' available chain-wide through May in honor of Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native.
- Bennison's Bakery in Evanston has sold over 300 papal-themed sugar cookies featuring Pope Leo XIV's image, with strong demand continuing in-store and online.
- Obvious Shirts is taking pre-orders for its Pope Leo XIV Collection, featuring Chicago-inspired slogans such as 'Da Pope' and 'Sweet Pope Chicago 14.'
- Themed products highlight a trend of businesses quickly capitalizing on major news events to engage customers and boost sales.
- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, made history as the first American pontiff following his election on May 8, 2025.