Pope Leo's Chicago roots: His grandfather's intriguing immigration tale
CHICAGO — Pope Leo's connection to Chicago is by now well known to the masses but long before he was born and raised in Dolton, his ancestors left the old world of Italy to begin a new life in America.
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Mariyana t. Spyropoulos started at adeep dive into the genealogy as soon after Pope Keo was chosen.
Before his ascension to lead the Catholic Church, he was known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, or 'Father Bob,' as his friends knew him throughout most of his priesthood as an Augustinian.
'… We initially looked for a document by the name of Prevost,' Spyropoulos said. 'We couldn't find anything there. Bbut we did a little further digging on the internet of genealogy, and we made the connection between the name of Riggatono and the name of Prevost and found the document declaration of intention.'
More: Village of Dolton considering acquiring Pope Leo XIV's childhood home
Salvatore Riggatono was born in June of 1876 in Milazzo, a town in the province of Messina, Italy. He took a ship to New York City like many immigrants to make new life in a new country.
'Salvatore Riggatono came to the United States in 1905 but applied for citizenship in 1920. He is the grandfather of the current pope, Pope Leo,' Spyropoulos said
Riggatono spent some time living with his sister in Quincy, Illinois before coming to Chicago. In time he changed his last name to Prevost which evidently was his mother-in-law's maiden name.
'Apparently back then you had to go through a three-step process,' Spyropoulos said. 'The first was the declaration of intention. You have to say what's your name, what's your occupation was where you came from, where you are currently living. So Mr. Riggatono was living at 1718 Greenleaf Ave. which is Rogers Park I believe. (We also had to name) … what ports in Italy he came from, who he was married to. And you had to renounce your allegiance to other countries and other governments.'
Riggatono never did become a U.S. citizen for reasons unknown.
Pope Leo's mother's family was from the Caribbean before emigrating to New Orleans and then eventually in Chicago.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fundraiser in Caledonia to support Ukraine on Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — While the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia remains thousands of miles away, it has had a seismic impact on people across the world — including some in West Michigan. Oleksandra Soltinska, Olena Biielova and Merharyta Atrepiev have watched Ukraine, their home country, from afar through the duration of the war. It has taken its toll on all of them. 'It's really hard for any Ukrainians,' Biielova said.'It doesn't matter where you live, it's still your home country. Ukrainians in West Michigan worry about diplomatic tensions 'Everyday, every morning, you check the news,' she continued. 'You worry if your relative's alive, if your friend's still there. It's just been an endless three and a half years.' They are organizing an event from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Caledonia Lakeside Park with traditional Ukrainian food, music and dancing. Donations collected at the event will go toward medical supplies for Ukraine. 'We're going to help a lot for kids who lost their parents, for orphanage, and also for soldiers who's recovering here in the United States and trying to get prosthetics to keep their life somehow normal still,' Biielova said. Worried about shifting US policy, Ukraine supporters rally in Grand Rapids The upcoming event is one of several that have been put together for Ukrainians around West Michigan. Last year, Soltinska helped organize an event to raise money for six soldiers who need rehabilitation and prosthetics. 'We're just like one little family here, trying to help and support whoever needs that support over there,' Biielova said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Free pet microchipping offered ahead of July 4 in Los Angeles
As fireworks light up the skies this Independence Day, LA Animal Services urges pet owners to take steps now to prevent their furry family members from becoming one of the many pets that end up in city shelters during the holiday. The 4th of July and the days that follow are the busiest time of year for LA Animal Services Centers, officials say. The loud sounds and bright flashes from fireworks often frighten pets, prompting many to run from their homes and become lost. To help ensure these animals can be quickly reunited with their families, LA Animal Services is offering free microchipping for pets owned by city of Los Angeles residents, while supplies last. Pet owners living outside city limits can also have their animals microchipped for a $15 fee. 'Microchips provide pets with a permanent ID that quickly reunites them with their families,' said Annette Ramirez, interim general manager for LA Animal Services. 'We encourage everyone to get their pets microchipped and make sure their contact information is up to date in the database.' A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, injected under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. Each chip is linked to a national registry containing the owner's contact details. If a pet becomes lost, animal shelters and veterinary offices can scan the chip and reach out to the owner — making microchips a critical tool in reducing shelter overcrowding and reuniting families. Microchipping services are available at all six LA Animal Services Centers, which are open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centers are closed on Mondays and city holidays. To find your nearest shelter or learn more, visit: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sea Turtle Wednesday is back in Walton County. South Walton Turtle Watch hosts the event at the Big Chill every Wednesday through the end of July. Visitors can learn how to protect nesting sea turtles by keeping the beach flat, clean, and dark at night. There are also painting stations and merchandise to help raise funds for their mission. All dolphins now transported from Gulf World Marine Park Organizers say it's important to teach young people now, so they grow up knowing how to protect sea turtles for generations to come. 'When you're young, you're a little sponge. And there are definitely things that you learn when you're young that you say, Oh my gosh, I remember this from when I was young, and I have a passion for that. Little kids are coming and they're having a good time and they're seeing these big species and they're just going to take it forward with them, whether it's to participate in helping them survive or teaching others about it,' South Walton Turtle Watch coordinator Valerie Lofton said. Sea turtle nesting season runs through October 31st. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.