Hundreds of children filling a Vatican hall were treated to an unexpected moment of warmth and honesty when Pope Leo XIV shared stories from his early years growing up in the United States.

In an unplanned address during a summer gathering at the Vatican, the pope recounted his religious upbringing as a young boy in Dolton, a suburb of south Chicago, describing his early devotion and family life, Inquisitr reported.

The event took place in July 2025 inside the Vatican’s main audience hall, which had been transformed into a child-centered space with large inflatable bouncy castles. In attendance were at least 600 children, including children of Vatican workers as well as Ukrainian youth participating in charity summer programs.

Pope becomes first to break precedent with personal memories

Pope Leo XIV, elected as the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, made his remarks during an unannounced appearance. The spontaneous address marked the first time since his inauguration that he spoke publicly about his early life.

Born in 1955 in the United States as Robert Prevost, the pontiff grew up in a household deeply rooted in Catholic traditions. He was the youngest of three boys in a family residing in Dolton, Illinois, located on the southern edge of Chicago.

He attended a parochial school and, by the age of six, had already begun participating in parish life by serving as an altar boy. His daily routine included rising early to attend 6:30 a.m. Mass before heading to school.

Childhood included early morning devotion

“But starting from when I was around six years old, I was also an altar boy in the parish,” the pope said in Italian, before switching to English for part of the audience. “And so before going to school – it was a parochial school – there was Mass at 6.30 a.m.”

He told the children that his service at Mass wasn’t only an obligation but something he genuinely enjoyed. The combination of spiritual enrichment and childhood friendship made it a cherished memory for him.

He recalled how his mother played a key role in nurturing the family's religious habits, saying: “And Mom would wake us up and say, ‘We’re going to Mass!’” The pope credited his early religious training with teaching him that Jesus was always nearby.

Latin Mass and friendship helped shape belief

At the time of his childhood, the Catholic Mass was typically celebrated in Latin. Despite his young age, he made an effort to learn and understand the language to fully engage in the liturgy.

“It wasn’t so much the language that it was celebrated in,” he said, “but the experience of getting to know other kids who served the Mass together, the friendship, and this closeness with Jesus in the church.”

This mix of community and faith, he explained, reinforced his commitment to the Catholic Church, ultimately shaping his lifelong vocation.

A setting designed just for children

The event in which the pope made these reflections had been designed with children in mind. The audience hall was converted into a playful environment, including inflatable structures typically found at youth festivals or community carnivals.

Some children in attendance were participating in summer activities organized by Caritas, an Italian Catholic charity. Among them were young people from Ukraine, affected by recent geopolitical upheaval, now spending time in Rome through these support programs.

While the event was informal, the pope’s message carried weight, especially as it revealed a personal layer not previously shared since his elevation to the papacy.

A pope who connects through simplicity

Leo XIV’s switch from Italian to English during the session demonstrated his versatility and his intention to connect with a diverse group of attendees. His ability to bridge cultures through language was evident throughout the exchange.

The format of the gathering, casual and unscripted, contrasted with the traditional settings in which papal speeches are typically delivered. That setting may have contributed to the pope’s relaxed demeanor and openness in sharing personal stories.

His choice to speak to children about his early faith journey added a human element to his papacy, reminding the faithful that even world leaders have modest beginnings.

Childhood memories offer inspiration

The children responded with interest and curiosity, many asking follow-up questions and reacting with enthusiasm. By sharing a relatable story of growing up in a modest American household, Pope Leo XIV gave young Catholics a powerful example of devotion and humility.

For those unfamiliar with his background, the story provided important context to the values and experiences that influence his leadership today. It also underscored the global nature of the Church, now led by someone whose spiritual path began far outside the Vatican walls.

With this rare personal reflection, Leo XIV offered an intimate look into what first drew him to faith — a glimpse that resonated strongly with both children and adults present at the Vatican gathering.