In a touching moment that has captured hearts across the globe, a Chicago family’s thoughtful gesture and clever planning led to an unforgettable encounter with Pope Leo XIV during their recent trip to Rome. The Munoz family, visiting Italy together, took it upon themselves to bring a piece of Chicago to the Vatican. Their tribute came in the form of custom-made “Da Pope” shirts, creatively styled with Chicago Bears colors and inspired by the city’s iconic cultural themes.
The shirts were more than just a nod to their hometown spirit—they became the catalyst for an extraordinary experience with the pontiff himself. The family, made up of parents Ann and Marcel Munoz and their three children, embarked on a rideshare journey from about 45 minutes outside the Vatican early Sunday morning, determined to attend a public mass conducted by Pope Leo XIV. All five family members wore the specially designed t-shirts in hopes of attracting the pope’s attention, a gesture they thought might simply add a fun touch to their day. But what unfolded was far beyond their expectations.
According to Ann Munoz, the idea to make an extra shirt came from a spontaneous thought. She recalled telling herself that it wouldn’t hurt to bring one more, just in case the miraculous happened. Marcel added that in searching online for shirts related to the pope, they came across various humorous and themed apparel, but ultimately settled on a bold and simple design—large print “DA POPE” text, unmistakably inspired by Chicago pride.
As they stood among the crowd outside the Vatican, the Munoz family waited with quiet hope. Their son Rocco, holding up the extra shirt, began waving it excitedly as the pope approached. Then, the moment they had only dared to imagine came true—Pope Leo XIV spotted them.
“He was across from us, and he turned his head,” said Ann. “I think we caught his eye with our shirts, and Rocco waving the shirt definitely got his attention. He made a direct beeline toward us. I couldn’t believe it—he was really coming our way.”
Overcome with emotion, the family greeted the pope as he approached. Marcel, still in shock, could only manage a few enthusiastic words: “Chicago! We love you pope, we love you! Go Bears!” The warm and spontaneous exchange was brief but powerful. Pope Leo XIV accepted the shirt with a smile, and the entire family was left beaming with joy and disbelief.
The moment quickly went viral online, making its way onto the pope’s official social media page and drawing praise for the authenticity and heartwarming nature of the encounter. The image of the pontiff holding the “Da Pope” shirt, surrounded by the enthusiastic Munoz family, has since become a symbol of both Chicago’s unique cultural identity and the Pope’s open-hearted connection with people around the world.
Reflecting on the experience, Ann Munoz expressed deep admiration for the pope’s humility and warmth. “It just shows how loving, down to Earth, and approachable our pope is,” she said.
For the Munoz family, this trip was already meaningful as a chance to explore their faith and heritage, but their papal encounter elevated it into something truly unforgettable. Their preparation, humor, and heartfelt spirit managed to bridge the distance between Chicago and the Vatican, if only for a few magical moments. It’s a memory they’ll cherish forever—one t-shirt, one smile, and one blessing at a time.
