Pope Leo XIV, who was recently appointed as a Pope, happens to be an American. The Vatican declared him the second Pope “from the Americas.” A source who recently dined with the Pope shared a peculiar habit he couldn’t help but notice when it came to the Pope’s table manners.
The new Pope, being from Chicago, is evoking a sense of familiarity for Americans. The Chicago native has allowed people from the neighboring state to find him relatable.
It’s only natural that people show interest in knowing more and more about the Pope. Reports claim that the 69-year-old reportedly loves the sport of Tennis. He is also a huge White Sox fan, according to reports.
John Allen, who serves as the editor of the Catholic news website called Crux, recently dined with the Pope. Allen spoke about a specific detail about the Pope’s table manners that he couldn’t help but notice. Pope Leo made sure that every morsel of food on his plate was consumed by him.
At some point in the meal, John made sure to let his guest know that it wasn’t necessary to eat everything on his plate if he didn’t want to. The cardinal told the editor that his habit is due to his upbringing. The 69-year-old noted how making to clean his plate was something he was taught growing up.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marks a historic milestone as the first American pope, elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. His journey from a Chicago upbringing to the papacy reflects a life… pic.twitter.com/AoXuBfVIAk
— Ayesh (@ayeshrodz) May 8, 2025
He went on to add how it’d be rude for him to refuse to eat everything he was served. John Allen did not reveal what was served to the Pope during the meal. There has been speculation about the future Pope being especially fond of deep dish pizzas, a Chicago specialty.
People on the internet have also noted that the Pope’s cuisine of choice might actually be Peruvian. The Pope has spent two decades of his life in Peru and even held a citizenship of the country.
Born in the United States, the most powerful country in the world, Pope Leo XIV spent nearly two decades in Peru as a missionary, bearing witness to Jesus Christ. pic.twitter.com/PHbAYEG5cD
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) May 12, 2025
The food in Peru is interestingly influenced by several cuisines from around the world. European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African immigrants who live in the country have incorporated their culture into the cuisine.
The Pope was reportedly a big fan of ceviche and carne asada from his time in the country. Another one of his favorites was duck with rice and goat. His diet also consisted of cheese, corn, and potatoes, according to a report. The Pope reportedly also has a sugary beverage he is very fond of. Pope Leo is said to be a big fan of Coke.
Scroll below to see photos of Pope Leo XIV.
