James Haupt
Pope Leo XIV has faithful praying for him around the world during this difficult time, but some of his most personal supporters are a group of students from his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
This week, students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy in Chicago gathered to pray for the Holy Father and prepare a special care package for him. These included handmade get-well cards and a Chicago White Sox blanket, representing his favorite baseball team.
LUCAS KNUDSEN
Student, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy
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I want to make sure that he knows that we all love him and we want him to feel good and that we are with him and we can walk together with God.
The students are members of Team 14, a student organization named after Pope Leo XIV. The group was formed after students at the academy went viral for holding a mock papal election. This eventually led to a memorable trip to Rome, where the students and their families met the pope in person.
ALLISON FOERSTER
Teacher, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy
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Our students feel really connected to the pope for so many reasons like so many people do. You know he’s an American pope, he’s a Chicago pope. To bring it more central, he went to a Catholic elementary school in Chicago, which for our children is a really big touch point. But then having that opportunity to meet them last year. A lot of our kids today said he’s my friend. They really feel deeply connected to him.
Since then, Team 14 has continued to put its faith into action through monthly prayer and service projects, including food drives benefiting a local food pantry. The care package to Pope Leo XIV is another way for the students to put that faith into practice while showing their support.
INES MARTINS
Student, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy
It feels really nice to wish him well because he’s like a close friend. And I was really sad when I heard he was sick, but to know that he’s better is really joyful. And then know he’s getting better. And I just want him to know that we’re praying for him and we want him to get better.
The pope is currently still recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, but there will be a special gift waiting for him at the Vatican from the students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy.
