www.nytimes.com
The story of Catholicism in America is vividly illustrated by the transformation of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Chicago. Before he became Pope Leo XIV, he was just a boy attending this bustling church in the 1950s. Today, the once-thriving community has nearly vanished, reflecting broader demographic shifts across the nation.
6
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV's early life in Chicago
- Family's active role in St. Mary Parish
- Decline of Catholic attendance in urban areas
- Merging of dwindling parishes over time
- Transformation reflects broader cultural shifts
- Historical significance of Catholic community changes
