You are reading

Astoria bakery debuts Pope Leo Cookie to celebrate first American pope

La Guli Bakery's new Pope Leo Cookie (right) and former Pope Francis Cookie (left). Photo: Shane O'Brien

La Guli Bakery’s new Pope Leo Cookie (right) and former Pope Francis Cookie (left). Photo: Shane O’Brien

May 9, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

An Astoria pastry shop has introduced a “Pope Leo Cookie”, complete with a picture of Pope Leo XIV, in honor of the election of the first-ever American pope.

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Conclave on Thursday, becoming the first US-born pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Astoria’s La Guli Pastry, located at 29-15 Ditmars Blvd., has now produced a new cookie in honor of the new Bishop of Rome.

The bakery, which first opened in 1937, previously produced Pope Francis Cookies in 2015 in honor of the late pope’s visit to New York City.

Maria Notaro, owner of La Guli Pastry and granddaughter of its founder, later made a batch of 100 Pope Francis cookies for inmates on Rikers Island in 2024 after being inspired by Pope Francis’s visit to Italy’s Montorio Prison.

Notaro has now produced 25 Pope Leo cookies in honor of the new pope and said it is inspiring to see an American-born pope.

La Guli Pastry at 29-15 Ditmars Blvd. Photo courtesy of Maria Notaro

“I never thought it would happen in my lifetime,” Notaro said after Pope Leo’s election Thursday. “This is an exciting time not only for Catholics but for the world to see the white smoke and know that there is a new leader of the Catholic Church, especially an American. ”

Notaro said she sent a batch of Pope Francis cookies to the former pope while he was recovering in the hospital earlier this year, but does not know if the baked goods reached their intended target. She added that she will try to send a batch of Pope Leo cookies to the newly elected Pontiff.

She said the Pope Leo Cookie signals a “positive gesture for a new era for the worldwide Catholic Church.”

“During the conclave we were receiving calls asking if we would have a new cookie ready. We just think this is a highly positive moment and La Guli Pastry sends our best wishes and prayers to Pope Leo XIV on his new journey. What a great surprise that we have an American pope,” Notaro said.

Notaro also said Rikers Island inmates were very “appreciative” of the Pope Francis Cookies when she visited the prison last year.

“We were fortunate to work with the Catholic chaplains at Rikers who were able to get approval for us to attend an afternoon mass and bring 100 of our Pope Francis Cookies. After the mass, the priest explained why we were there and about Pope Francis’ message of hope and compassion to the incarcerated at the Montorio Prison.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Queens Botanical Garden celebrates groundbreaking on new $34 million education center

City officials, elected leaders and Flushing community members helped break ground on a new and long-awaited $34 million education building at the Queens Botanical Garden that will feature six teaching areas for year-round programming.

The Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Education Center will be 14,500 square feet, replacing a smaller educational space. It will have four indoor classrooms, a teaching kitchen, and a solarium where educators can grow and maintain plants for educational purposes.

Advocates urge passage of New York for All Act as Assembly session nears end

Jun. 16, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

As the State Senate concluded its legislative session on Thursday, immigrant rights advocates renewed calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17. The proposed legislation, along with several other immigration-related bills, remains pending as the clock winds down on this year’s session.

Queens gun buyback takes 74 firearms off streets, including ghost guns and assault weapons: DA

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday that 74 firearms were taken off the streets at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica during a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 14. The weapons were exchanged for bank cards pre-loaded with cash, with no identification required and no questions asked.

“Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities,” Katz said. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns — including five automatic weapons. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy.”

Queens Distance Runners hosts second annual track meet at St. John’s University, spotlighting Olympian and local talent

Jun. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Dozens of runners gathered at the DaSilva Field Track in St. John’s University for the second annual track meet last month. Hosted by Queens Distance Runners (QDR), a grassroots running organization, the sporting competition welcomed sprinters and distance runners of all skill levels to test their abilities, vying for the podium in track events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters.