The pontiff broke the news on "NBC Nightly News" with anchor Lester Holt, a former CBS2 Chicago anchor, in a brief one-on-one chat at the Vatican Monday.

Yes, the newly minted pontiff—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope during last week's papal conclave, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland cheering (and others, like Chicago-based chain Portillo's, making Pope-themed sandwiches to celebrate).

He is a man formed by his experience in the church of Chicago, especially the south side,’ writes Mark Francis, CSV.