Hyde Park's Catholic Theological Union Celebrates Alumnus Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Next Pope

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · March 23, 2026

Hyde Park has a new connection to history — and to the highest office in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Theological Union, the South Side seminary nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, is celebrating one of its own: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who attended CTU from 1977 to 1982 and earned his master's of divinity degree there, has been elected the next Pope. The news has sent waves of pride through the Hyde Park community, with CTU faculty, staff, and alumni marveling at the milestone. As one observer noted, the Cardinal "exudes holiness" — a sentiment echoing across campus and beyond.

It's a remarkable moment for a neighborhood long known as a hub of intellectual and spiritual life on Chicago's South Side. The Catholic Theological Union, located steps from the University of Chicago, has quietly shaped generations of religious leaders — and now one of its graduates sits at the very top of the global Catholic Church.

Meanwhile, art lovers should mark their calendars: the Hyde Park Art Center is hosting its next Center Day on Saturday, April 4 — a free, family-friendly day packed with intergenerational artmaking, artist workshops, open studios, and curatorial tours. It's the perfect South Side Saturday outing. Visit hydeparkart.org for details, and raise a toast to Hyde Park's extraordinary week!

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/hyde-park
2. https://www.hydeparkart.org/public-programs-2/