Chicago pope-themed Portillo s, T-shirts and more pop up as city embraces Pope Leo XIV

There isn’t a Portillo’s location in Vatican City (yet), but there is already a pope-themed Italian beef. Chicagoans are embracing Pope Leo XIV’s local ties — and one of the city’s favorite …
Where can I find the Leo from Portillo’s?

The Leo from Portillo‘s. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first American pontiff, was born in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1955.

What is Portillo’s Leo sandwich?

The Leo is Portillo’s original “sacred sandwich” that is “made in honor of a moment that’s historic for Portillo’s hometown.” Portillo’s said the “heavenly creation” will be available only through May, which also happens to be Italian Beef month.

Did Pope Leo XIV eat a beef sandwich?

Since Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Portillo‘s restaurant chain has launched a new Italian beef sandwich dubbed The Leo.

Does Portillo’s have Italian beef sandwiches?

The chain’s Italian beef sandwiches are served with their “secretly spiced” gravy, or dry, with only a little gravy for dipping. Portillo’s has more than 90 locations across 10 states. The chain entered the Michigan market in 2021 with a Sterling Heights location on Hall Road.

Where did Dick Portillo go to school?

According to the Chicago Sun Times, he received a masters of divinity from Catholic Theological Union, which is located in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood, and was a teacher at St. Rita of Cascia High School. Portillo’s, meanwhile, was founded by Dick Portillo on April 9, 1963 in Villa Park, Ill., a suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area.