Good afternoon, Chicago. ✶
Pope Francis’ health scare that left him hospitalized with double pneumonia for weeks has Catholics worldwide and in Chicago praying for the 88-year-old’s recovery, but also preparing for what might come next.
Among the men who will determine whether the Catholic church will continue in the direction of pastoral service for all modeled by Francis — or will swing back to a conservative interpretation focusing on church authority — are three influential bishops tied to Chicago, the Sun-Times’ Lauren FitzPatrick reports.
In today’s newsletter: Meet the Chicago holy men who will have a hand in choosing the next pope.
Plus: Environmental activists vow to press on, an Irish soda bread competition crowns its winner and more community news you need to know below. 👇
⏱️: A 7-minute read
TODAY’S TOP STORY
Influential bishops with Chicago ties will have a hand in picking the next pope
Reporting by Lauren FitzPatrick
Major preparations: Pope Francis’ health scare that left him hospitalized with double pneumonia for weeks has Catholics worldwide and in Chicago praying for the 88-year-old’s recovery, but also preparing for what might come next.
Chicago cardinals: Among the men who will determine whether the Catholic church will continue in the direction of pastoral service for all modeled by Francis — or will swing back to a conservative interpretation focusing on church authority — are three influential U.S. bishops tied to Chicago.
Cardinal Blase Cupich: Cupich, 75, was appointed archbishop of Chicago in 2014 by Francis and remains in the pope’s inner circle.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory: Gregory, 77, the socially progressive archbishop of Washington, D.C. until he retired in January, was born and raised in Englewood, starting in Chicago as a priest. Francis appointed him as the first-ever African American cardinal.
Cardinal Robert Prevost: A Chicago native, Prevost, 69, has served as Francis’ powerful bishop maker at the Vatican since 2023, after stints leading the Order of Augustine’s Midwest ministry from its Chicago office, and then the entire order from Rome. A week before Francis entered the hospital, he added Prevost to the small group of cardinals who choose from among themselves the highly influential dean who heads the selection of a new pope.
Prevost for pope?: Prevost’s name has been floated among some Vatican-watchers — as well as online oddsmakers taking bets on who will be Francis’ successor — as a possible candidate for the papacy.
Secret process: Until each man turns 80, he’ll be part of the group of special bishops known as the College of Cardinals, or papal conclave, who select a pope by an elaborate secret ballot process inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
- Activist settlement approved: After a tearful and angry plea from Miracle Boyd, a City Council committee agreed Monday to pay her a $280,000 settlement for having her front tooth knocked out by a police officer during a 2020 protest in Grant Park.
- Tourist shot in Streeterville: A woman visiting from Connecticut was shot while walking with her 11-year-old son Sunday night across the street from AMC River East 21 in Streeterville. “It’s been shocking,” the woman told the Sun-Times.
- Fears of Medicaid cuts: If Congress passes Medicaid cuts, patients and officials say care for chronic pain, behavioral health and addiction must be defended.
- Calls for concrete action: After fallen concrete from a viaduct damaged her car, a North Mayfair resident is calling on the city and Union Pacific railroad to act.
ENVIRONMENT BEAT
The late Hazel Johnson launched an environmental movement in Chicago that Trump is trying to end
Reporting by Brett Chase
The impetus: After Hazel Johnson moved to Chicago from Louisiana — soon settling in Altgeld Gardens, a public housing complex on the Far South Side — her husband, John, died at 41 from lung cancer in 1969. His death opened her eyes to her surroundings. Then, a leak at a nearby chemical storage facility in 1974 put a spotlight on the pollution threats all around her community.
The impact: Later, her public health and environmental activism persuaded then-President Bill Clinton to recognize “environmental justice” in an executive order. A proposed city ordinance, promised by Mayor Brandon Johnson in September 2023, is expected to be named after the legendary Chicago activist.
The legacy: The year before Hazel Johnson, founder of People for Community Recovery, died in 2011, her daughter Cheryl stepped up to lead the movement. Cheryl said her mother still inspires her.
The challenges: President Donald Trump ended that 1994 order signed by Clinton. Trump declared that the document, recognizing poor communities that often bear the brunt of pollution, amounts to “illegal discrimination” and is “radical.” Environmental advocates say Trump is creating a new narrative to demonize programs and policies aimed at helping vulnerable communities.
Key context: Environmental justice was born in Chicago, and Hazel Johnson is remembered as the movement’s “mother.” Trump’s attempt to end the fight doesn’t faze Cheryl Johnson.
Key quote: “We’ve been knocked down before,” Cheryl Johnson said from her office in Altgeld Gardens, where People for Community Recovery has been based for more than four decades. “I’m going to carry on to my last breath in my body, and I’m going to continue to fight [against] the inequalities that happen in our neighborhoods.”
BRIGHT ONE ✨
Irish soda bread contestants vie for a trip and dough at Reilly’s Daughter pub
Reporting by Erica Thompson
Being queen of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade comes with several duties leading up to the big day on March 15. But the toughest, according to this year’s honoree, Cara Walsh, was a task she undertook Saturday at Reilly’s Daughter pub: soda bread contest judge.
Walsh and 19 other judges sampled the traditional Irish dish, made with flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk. A whopping 121 loaves were entered, most of which contained raisins — largely an American addition, according to several bakers. The entries were also adorned with vibrant green decor, including ribbons, figurines, beads and clover-shaped lights.
First prize was a free round-trip flight for two to Ireland.
Now in its 35th year, the annual contest is run by the Oak Lawn bar’s owners, Boz O’Brien and his son, Brendan. It has become a tradition for generations of local Irish families.
This year’s grand prize winner, Lorraine O’Malley, was a first-time participant but a longtime patron of the bar.
“I can’t even believe it,” said O’Malley, 51, of Western Springs, who used a recipe from her great aunt. “I grew up coming here in college and postcollege, and I feel a connection with this place. I just love it.”
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