‘Da Pope’ shirts commemorate Chicago-born Pope Leo's election
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WGN) For the first time in the over 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, an American Cardinal has been elected pope. Not only is the new pope American, he’s a Chicagoan, and the Windy City has already capitalized on commemorating the historic achievement.

Chicago staple OBVIOUS SHIRTS released a Chicago-themed pope collection Thursday, headlined by T-shirts paying homage to the city’s favorite sports team the Chicago Bears.

“The design came to me in seconds. I researched him right after the announcement and saw he was a Bears fan, so I went with this idea first,” the company said about the design. “Couldn’t locate if he was Cubs or Sox, but Chicago has been and will always be a football city, so it was a no-brainer really.

“That and I think DA POPE sounds awesome. [I] was just excited that the pope is not just from America, but Chicago.”

Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago and raised in Dolton, was selected to lead the Catholic Church as its 267th pope. With his election to the papacy, he will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

“Da Pope” is a play on the classic moniker “Da Bears,” which is used by Chicago sports fans around the world in reference to their favorite NFL team.

The slogan originated from a popular SNL skit by Robert Smigel called “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” in the late 1980s. The characters, played by George Wendt and Smigel, became well known for their exaggerated, drunken and thick Midwestern accents often associated with being a Bears fan, especially when they shouted the moniker and imitated former Bears tight end and Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Ditka.

OBVIOUS SHIRTS’ entire pope collection can be found by visiting this link.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
12-year-old boy saved mom's life after she lost consciousness while behind the wheel with foot still on gas

Heroic 12-Year-Old Saves Mother’s Life in Dramatic On-the-Road Rescue

A 12-year-old boy from England has been recognized for his heroic actions…
John Mayer delivers tearful eulogy for late Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir

Emotional Farewell: John Mayer’s Heartfelt Eulogy Honors Grateful Dead Icon Bob Weir

John Mayer paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and mentor, Bob…
Environmental groups announce lawsuit to list horseshoe crabs as endangered

Conservationists Take Legal Action to Protect Horseshoe Crabs from Extinction

A recent lawsuit asserts that safeguarding horseshoe crabs in the United States…
Minneapolis posts anti-ICE video promoting 'peaceful protest' and unity

Minneapolis Shares Video Encouraging Unity and Peaceful Protest Against ICE

On Friday, the city of Minneapolis released a video message advocating for…
Teen charged as adult after fleeing deputies investigating St. Johns County boy's kidnapping

Teen Faces Adult Charges After Fleeing Authorities in St. Johns County Kidnapping Case

Authorities are currently investigating whether 15-year-old Junior Bishop played a role in…
Rex Ryan believes John Harbaugh-led Giants are 'absolutely' a playoff team

Rex Ryan Confident in John Harbaugh’s Leadership, Predicts Giants’ Playoff Potential

John Harbaugh has already garnered support for his vision with the Giants…
JSO officer arrested on petty theft charge

Jacksonville Officer Arrested Following Alleged Assault on Teen at Local Skate Park

An off-duty officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Stephen Hicks, faces accusations…
Florida woman, 81, arrested in murder-for-hire plot after sharing plan with undercover detective, sheriff says

Florida Grandmother, 81, Caught in Undercover Sting for Alleged Murder-for-Hire Scheme

A Florida woman in her 80s found herself behind bars on Friday…