A lively Reddit thread on r/riotfest ignited playful speculation about whether Pope Leo XIV—Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost—has ever heard of Riot Fest, the city’s beloved punk and alternative music festival. Fans jokingly wondered if he might have caught the 2012 Jesus and Mary Chain set or even made a surprise appearance.
Community members weighed in with some context: Riot Fest stayed relatively underground through the early 2010s and only gained wider mainstream buzz around 2014-2015. Given the Pope’s years spent abroad in Peru and his deep religious focus, some doubted he’d have early exposure to Riot Fest. Still, the overall vibe was lighthearted—after all, in Chicago, “The Pope knows all.”
Background:
- Pope Leo XIV grew up on Chicago’s South Side, attending St. Mary of Assumption parish before earning his divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.
- Riot Fest 2012 featured iconic acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain and took place September 14-16 at the Congress Theater and Humboldt Park.
- Chicago residents have joyfully celebrated their hometown pope with memes referencing local culture staples such as Malört, deep-dish pizza, Bears legend Mike Ditka, and more.
The Reddit thread highlights a charming intersection of Chicago’s proud local identity and its vibrant music scene, with some fans whimsically imagining the pontiff rocking out in his own way.
Further Reading
- Chicago celebrates its native son’s elevation to pope | Reuters
- Chicago celebrates hometown pope with memes, Malört, deep dish jokes | Axios
- Riot Fest 2012 lineup announced | Punknews
Source: r/riotfest