Chicago Proposes Renaming Streets to Honor Pope Leo XIV and Barack Obama

Chicago officials are considering new proposals to honor two of the city’s most renowned figures: Pope Leo XIV and Barack Obama. Aldermen introduced ordinances that could rename Northerly Island in tribute to the Pope and designate a portion of Wabash Avenue as “Barack Hussein Obama Way.” However, current city and Park District regulations prevent streets and parks from being named after living individuals. Supporters of these proposals believe exceptions can be made.

“Nothing’s impossible in the city of Chicago,” said Alderman Raymond López, who suggested the island’s new name. Mayor Brandon Johnson had hinted at naming a street for the Pope, but López aims for a more significant tribute. He emphasized the importance of placing Pope Leo XIV’s name at the heart of Chicago to educate people about Illinois’ most famous Catholic.

Alderman Brendan Reilly proposed the idea of an honorary rename for a segment of Wabash Avenue, specifically the area near Trump Tower. This suggestion follows a popular online petition that received 24,301 signatures over six weeks, urging for the change. Reilly explained that this proposal originated as a joke but has now gained relevance, presenting a straightforward way to achieve the goal.

Despite the appeal of renaming all of Wabash Avenue, Reilly acknowledged the high costs associated with updating road signs, GPS systems, and maps. His ordinance includes a waiver for the rule mandating street names only honor deceased individuals. Reilly referenced the City Council’s 2016 action to remove Trump Plaza’s honorary designation, stating the intention is to better honor Barack Obama, as the city can’t alter the tower’s name.

Previously, Alderman Lamont Robinson sought to rename Columbus Drive after Obama in 2024, though this effort stalled. Reilly has not yet consulted with Obama or his representatives regarding his current proposal. The Obama Presidential Center, located in Jackson Park, is scheduled for its official opening ceremony on Thursday.