Illinois Mayors Meet with Pope Leo in Rome

The group of local leaders called the encounter a 'great experience' with the first American pope.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:07am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a mayoral office desk or city hall interior, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the room, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of civic responsibility.The meeting between Illinois mayors and Pope Leo in Rome represents a significant moment of connection between local leadership and the global influence of the Catholic Church.Chicago Today

A delegation of Illinois mayors, led by Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, recently traveled to the Vatican to meet with Pope Leo. The group, which included mayors from Rockford, Champaign, and Decatur, described the encounter as a 'great experience' with the personable and down-to-earth pontiff.

Why it matters

The meeting between the Illinois mayors and Pope Leo, the first American pope, is a significant event that highlights the growing influence of local leaders on the global stage. As the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo's interactions with municipal officials could have broader implications for policy, community engagement, and the church's role in society.

The details

During the meeting, Pope Leo spoke with the mayors about their respective cities, including Matteson, where he said he had lived for a portion of his adult life. This revelation surprised Chalmers-Currin, who is now working to determine the specifics of the pope's time in the town.

  • The Illinois mayors departed for Rome on March 28, 2026.
  • The group met with Pope Leo on March 30, 2026.
  • The mayors returned to Illinois on April 2, 2026.

The players

Sheila Chalmers-Currin

The mayor of Matteson, Illinois, and the president of the Illinois Municipal League, who led the delegation of mayors to meet with Pope Leo.

Pope Leo

The first American pope, who met with the Illinois mayors and discussed his past connection to the town of Matteson.

Tom McNamara

The mayor of Rockford, Illinois, who was part of the delegation that met with Pope Leo.

Deborah Frank Feinen

The mayor of Champaign, Illinois, who was part of the delegation that met with Pope Leo.

Tony Powers

The mayor of Decatur, Illinois, who was part of the delegation that met with Pope Leo.

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What they’re saying

“I have to keep remembering just the experience itself. It was such a great experience.”

— Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Mayor of Matteson, Illinois

What’s next

The mayors plan to share details of their meeting with Pope Leo with their respective city councils and constituents, potentially leading to further collaboration or initiatives between the local governments and the Vatican.

The takeaway

The meeting between the Illinois mayors and Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, highlights the growing influence of local leaders on the global stage and the potential for increased engagement between municipal governments and the Catholic Church under the new pope's leadership.