Opinion: My hometown pope
Briefly

The article reflects on the personal significance of the Mass at St. Peter's Church in Chicago, where people from various backgrounds congregate, fostering a sense of unity and peace. The author recalls experiences with Marta, a cleaner, who embodied the community spirit. The presence of Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, serves as a poignant reminder of the shared faith that transcends cultural differences, echoing historic visits by Pope John Paul II. The gatherings at Mass illustrate how diverse attendees find common ground in their worship and prayers.
I remember, too, the joy that Marta and others from Poland felt when Pope John Paul II, the first Polish pope, came on an official visit to Chicago, in 1979. It was a moment that connected us all, across backgrounds, through faith.
When we gave one another the sign of peace, I sometimes wondered where else could you share such a poignant moment with people from all over the world? It was a powerful experience of unity.
Read at www.npr.org
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