Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker this week at the Vatican met with arguably Illinois’ most famous native son, Pope Leo XIV.
Sharing art, books and local beer, Gov. Pritzker on Wednesday called it an “honor” to meet with the Pope in the Vatican to express “the pride and reverence of the people of this great state.”
“Pope Leo XIV’s message of hope, compassion, unity, and peace resonates with Illinoisans of all faiths and traditions,” the governor said in a statement.
Video of the meeting shared online showed Pritzker shaking hands with the pope who was born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955 and inviting him to return and visit his hometown whenever he’d like.
As part of the meeting, Pritzker and his wife,, shared with the Pope gifts including art made by women incarcerated at Logan Correctional Facility, a pair of books and a pack of Burning Bush Brewery’s Da Pope American Mild Ale.
During the visit, the Pritzkers offered their “well-wishes and deep gratitude” to the Pope for his “public service and for his positive representation of Chicago, Illinois, and the United States,” according to the Governor’s office.
“As the first American Pope, a native Illinoisan, and an advocate for the poor and less fortunate, Pope Leo XIV serves as a true inspiration to people of all faiths,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement.
“His message of hope, unity, compassion and peace resonates in his home state of Illinois and across the globe.”
