When the white smoke billowed over the Vatican in May 2025, people expected history. They got it. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago became Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever to lead the Catholic Church.
But back in the Windy City? People didn't just pray. They ate.
Within hours, the "Pope Leo sandwich" wasn't just a trend—it was a full-blown culinary obsession. Specifically, the legendary chain Portillo’s dropped a limited-run item they called "The Leo." If you've been living under a rock or just don't follow Chicago beef Twitter, you might think it's just another marketing gimmick. Honestly, it’s a bit more than that. It’s a messy, gravy-soaked tribute to a South Side kid who made it to the highest office on Earth.
What is a Pope Leo Sandwich, anyway?
Let’s get the facts straight. There isn't just one "Pope Leo sandwich," though Portillo's definitely owns the loudest version. Because the new Pope grew up on Chicago’s South Side, local delis went absolutely feral with tributes.
The Portillo's version is basically their iconic Italian Beef on steroids. They describe it as being "baptized in gravy"—which, if you know Chicago, means the bread is essentially a structural suggestion rather than a solid object.
The Portillo's Build
- The Meat: Thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef.
- The Dip: Fully submerged in au jus (the "baptism").
- The Holy Trinity: A specific combo of sweet peppers and hot giardiniera.
You’ve got to be careful with the terminology here. In Chicago, "gravy" isn't the thick brown stuff you put on mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. It’s the thin, salty, spice-heavy juice from the roasting pan.
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But then there’s the "Papal Leo" from a deli down in Grapevine, Texas. The owner there actually went to school with the Pope. His version is wilder. He uses lamb (for the Lamb of God), ham, sriracha, mozzarella, and a fried egg. It’s meant to represent the white and gold of the Vatican flag.
Two very different sandwiches. One name.
Why Chicago Claimed This Moment
The Pope Leo sandwich matters because Chicago is one of the most Catholic cities in the United States. We're talking over two million Catholics in the archdiocese. When a guy from the neighborhood gets the keys to St. Peter’s, it’s personal.
Portillo’s launched The Leo for $8.29 during Italian Beef Month (which conveniently is also May). It wasn't just about selling beef. It was about identity. You had The Wieners Circle putting up signs in Latin. You had bakeries in Evanston making cookies shaped like miters.
The sandwich became a way to "taste" the news.
The Controversy of the "Sacred" Beef
Not everyone loved the marketing. Portillo’s press release used phrases like "In the name of the gravy, the bun, and hot giard." Some folks found it a little irreverent. Honestly, though? Most people just wanted to know if the extra peppers made the bread too soggy.
There's a history here, too. Back in 2013, a place called Kuma’s Corner put a communion wafer on a burger and people lost their minds. Compared to that, a "baptized" beef sandwich is pretty tame.
How to Eat It Without Ruining Your Shirt
If you managed to snag one of these during the May rollout—or if you're making a DIY version at home—there is a technique. It’s called the Chicago Lean.
- Stand about six inches away from the counter.
- Lean your upper body forward at a 45-degree angle.
- Keep your elbows out.
- Pray the gravy doesn't hit your shoes.
The Pope Leo sandwich is meant to be wet. If the bread isn't falling apart, you didn't do it right. The giardiniera provides the crunch, but the beef has to be tender enough that you don't even really need to chew.
Where Can You Get One Now?
Here’s the catch. The official "Leo" at Portillo’s was a limited-time offering for May 2025. It’s technically off the menu now.
However, because it's basically a customized Italian Beef, you can still order it. You just have to know the code. Ask for a Big Beef, dipped, with the "Holy Trinity" (sweet peppers and hot giardiniera). Most employees will know exactly what you’re talking about.
If you're looking for the Texas version—the one with the lamb and the egg—you'll have to head to that deli in Grapevine. They kept it on the menu because of the personal connection to the Pope.
Practical Steps for the Papal Foodie
If you want to experience the Pope Leo sandwich phenomenon properly, don't just go to any random sub shop.
- Go to the Source: Visit a Portillo’s in the Chicago suburbs (like Villa Park, where it started).
- Check the Peppers: Real Chicago giardiniera has celery and sport peppers. If it’s just pickled jalapeños, walk out.
- DIY It: If you're not in the Midwest, buy some high-quality roast beef, simmer it in a broth of oregano, garlic, and beef stock, and get some Turano French rolls.
- The Dip: Don't be afraid to dunk the whole sandwich. It feels wrong, but it tastes right.
The Pope Leo sandwich isn't just a meal. It's a snapshot of 2025 when a Chicago native took over the Vatican and a sandwich shop decided that was worth a celebration in gravy.
If you're planning a trip to Chicago to trace the Pope's roots, start at St. Rita of Cascia High School where he taught, then hit the nearest Portillo's. It's the most authentic way to see the city he left behind for Rome.
Next Steps for the Sandwich Obsessed:
To recreate the "Holy Trinity" at home, seek out authentic Chicago-style giardiniera (brands like Marconi or Vienna Beef) rather than standard pickled vegetables. Ensure your beef is sliced "paper-thin"—it should be almost translucent—to allow the gravy to penetrate the fibers completely.