Birthday celebrations aren’t complete without a cake, and that holds true even for Pope Leo XIV. <\/p>\n
Ahead of his 70th birthday on Sunday, the Chicago native was gifted a sweet treat he’s likely familiar with.<\/p>\n
\nFor Pope Leo\u2019s 70th birthday tomorrow, new Vatican Ambassador Brian Burch (also from Chicago suburbs) brings a Portillo\u2019s chocolate cake.
\u2066@Pontifex<\/a>\u2069 \u2066@portilloshotdog<\/a>\u2069 pic.twitter.com\/4TXPKc5z6x<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) September 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Brian Burch, the newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See who himself is from the Chicago suburbs, presented Pope Leo with none other than Portillo’s Famous Chocolate Cake.<\/p>\n
Portillo’s is known for shipping its food – and desserts – nationwide, but Burch managed to get the iconic dessert all the way to the Vatican. The cake was decorated with a simple red sign that stated, “Happy Birthday Pope Leo XIV.”<\/p>\n
When Pope Leo XIV was named earlier this year, Portillo’s joined in the celebrations by creating a special Italian Beef sandwich – “The Leo.”<\/a> \u00a0The restaurant chain described the sandwich as divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy and finished with the holy trinity of peppers\u2014sweet, hot, or a combo.”<\/p>\n
The sandwich was only available in May, and whether it will return next year is still unknown.<\/p>\n
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