From the Sloop to the Vatican: South Loop Family Gifts 'Da Pope' Tee to Pope Leo XIV — Plus Riverline Scores $83M to Keep Building Up

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · May 10, 2026

The South Loop had not one, but two feel-good stories to celebrate this week — and one of them went all the way to Rome.

In what may be the most quintessentially Chicago moment of 2026, a South Loop family brought the city's signature humor straight to the new pontiff. Marcel and Ann Munoz and their children traveled to Rome wearing navy blue "Da Pope" T-shirts — a riff on Chicago's beloved "Da Bears" tradition — and presented one directly to Pope Leo XIV. CBS Chicago's Chris Tye and Matthew Cramer captured the wholesome exchange, and the story quickly spread across the city as a testament to the South Loop's big heart and even bigger Chicago pride. It's the kind of only-in-Chicago moment that reminds us why we love this neighborhood.

Back on the home front, the Sloop's skyline is set to keep climbing. The Riverline development at 1010 S. Wells has secured $83 million in financing, with construction already underway on the 21-story mixed-use tower — another major milestone for one of the neighborhood's most-watched building projects. Between papal meet-and-greets and a rising skyline, the South Loop is having quite the week. Are you a South Loop superfan with your own Chicago pride story? Share it with the Socialhood community!

Sources:
1. http://www.sloopin.com/
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/neighborhood/south-loop