Governor JB Pritzker meets with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican Wednesday.

Governor JB Pritzker shook hands with the Illinois-born pontiff Wednesday morning during his visit to the Vatican.

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He came bearing gifts, on behalf of the people of Illinois, including the millions of Catholics who call this state home.

Among the items he brought, some special libations from the Windy City.

Governor JB Pritzker sat down with the hometown Pope Leo, offering his deep gratitude for his public service and positive representation of Chicago and Illinois. And, he didn't show up empty handed.
First, an official invitation to return to his home state

Also part of their visit, Pritzker and the First Lady presented: Art from Incarcerated Woman at Logan Correctional Facility, Lincoln: The Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation by Ian Hunt , A House That Made History: The Illinois Governor's Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure by MK Pritzker and a pack of Burning Bush Breweries' Da Pope American Mild Ale/

"It really is one of the coolest things," Burning Bush Brewery owner Brent Raska said. "It's still sinking in and I keep pinching myself."

Raska actually a Presbyterian pastor himself and rolled out the new beer called "Da Pope" when Pope Leo was named.

The governor visited the North Side brewery last May when they first released it.

"We did a Chicago Pope handshake, which is a shot of Malort and Da Pope beer and so it was great for him to visit. And then someone from his staff on Saturday said they wanted to pick up the beer so that Governor Pritzker could bring it and I was like, 'Oh my gosh yes of course,'" Raska said.

Governor Pritzker posted pictures on x, writing " It was an honor for MK and me to meet with @Pontifex - a son of Illinois - 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's office said in a statement, "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. His message of hope, unity, compassion and peace resonates in his home state of Illinois and across the globe.

"Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker were honored to meet with Pope Leo XIV in Rome this week on behalf of the people of Illinois, including the millions of Catholics who call Illinois their home. The Governor and First Lady offered their well-wishes and deep gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his public service and for his positive representation of Chicago, Illinois, and the United States.."