FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Alice Howard, Social Media and Publicity Specialist | (630) 229-3104 | publicist@loyolapress.com
CHICAGO, June, 12, 2025 - Loyola Press has partnered with Cyd Smillie, Founder & President of Arts Alive Chicago, to add a new image of Pope Leo XIV to "The Dream" mural located at 35th Street and Shields Avenue, under the viaduct near Rate Field. The mural, which features a collection of "Chicago greats,” now includes Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV ahead of the June 14 Mass honoring the new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV, a confirmed Chicago White Sox fan and native of the South Side, has inspired a wave of pride and enthusiasm throughout the city following his historic election. As a Chicago-based Catholic publisher, Loyola Press is proud to support this public tribute celebrating his roots in the community.
“When we heard about the opportunity to honor both our beloved city and our new hometown hero, Pope Leo XIV, we couldn’t pass up the chance to fund the addition to the mural,” said Joellyn Cicciarelli, President and Publisher of Loyola Press. “Public art, like the books we create, is a form of creative expression, and creative expression is one of the most powerful and natural ways to bring beauty, joy, and faith into the world. Add to that the fact that we are publishing the first authoritative book on the conclave and election of Pope Leo XIV—we had to say yes.”
In addition to the mural, Smillie has also created a “pop-up Pope Leo XIV” installation that will be available for photo opportunities outside of Rate Field on Saturday, June 14, prior to the start of the Mass. Visitors and attendees are encouraged to take photos with the mural and “pop-up pope,” tag @loyolapress on social media, and use the hashtag #PopeLeoXIVinChicago when sharing in the celebration online.
To learn more about the Mass honoring Pope Leo XIV, visit archchicago.org/popeleoxiv.
Follow @loyolapress on social media for updates on the mural and for more information on their new book, Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy by Vatican journalist Christopher White. The book will be released on June 18, 2025 (official publication date is July 15, 2025), and will be available wherever books are sold.
For more information or interview requests, contact Mary Alice Howard, Social Media & Publicity Specialist, publicist@loyolapress.com.
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