Chicago is finding a new boost in the “Pope economy,” a new growth business tied to the image of the new Pontiff, Leo XIV, a native of the Windy City.
Since he was elected last May, the Holy Father’s face has been imprinted everywhere in the city, from baby onesies to beer mugs. “I think retail will be able to capitalize on that. And the more people that are around, the better for bars and restaurants,” said Elliot Richardson, co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council in Chicago.
Brent Raska, a former Presbyterian pastor who now owns Burning Bush Brewery on the city’s north side, began selling a draft beer called “Da Pope,” playing with local slang. “Kind of like the new pope, it’s an American take on a European tradition,” he told CNN. Raska said he produced 1,000 cans depicting the pontiff holding a beer with the Chicago flag around his neck instead of the papal insignia. He sold all the cans in just three weeks and is considering putting “Da Pope” on the menu permanently.
“Anything we can put the pope on, we are,” explained Cortney Black Kinzler, owner of Urban Artisan gift store. Items sold by the business include T-shirts, hats, coasters, stickers, bags and magnets.
One of the most popular t-shirts depicts a smiling lion holding an Old Style beer in one hand and a shot glass of the local liquor Malort, in the other. The words “Amici Manus Chicagonis” (The Chicago handshake) hover over the Pope’s head like a halo of sorts.
Kinzler said business has increased sharply, and he attributed that to the “Pope economy.” “What I like to say is, ‘Not everyone’s Catholic, but Chicagoans kind of all practice the religion of Chicago.’ Or just the fact that he’s one of our own, it doesn’t matter really what religion or beliefs you have,” she added.
Stephanie and Josh Ganal, a married couple who own Grandstand, a sporting goods store near Rate Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox, also reported increased sales after the Holy Father was seen wearing an MLB team cap at the Vatican. The Ganals said they sold hundreds of jerseys with the number 14, in honor of the Pope, priced at $200. They have even received requests from fans in South Korea.
Meanwhile, the two-story childhood home of Leo XIV in the village of Dolton, Illinois, continues to attract the attention of thousands of visitors. The village purchased the home for $375,000 and is planning to turn it into a historic site.
