Suburban Mayors Meet with Pope Leo XIV, Discuss White Sox

Illinois delegation experiences 'pinch me' moments during Vatican visit

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A delegation of Illinois mayors, including the mayors of Rosemont, Elmwood Park, and other suburbs, visited the Vatican this week and had a 45-minute private audience with Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native. The mayors discussed the White Sox baseball team with the pontiff, who is a known fan of the team, and also presented him with gifts like a police chaplain badge and a photo from a special Mass at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the personal connections between the pope, who hails from the Chicago area, and local Midwest politicians. It also showcases how religious and civic leaders can find common ground through shared interests like sports teams, even at the highest levels of power.

The details

The delegation of about 20 Illinois mayors, part of an Illinois Municipal League diplomatic mission, met with Pope Leo XIV at the start of Holy Week. During their 45-minute private audience, the mayors discussed the White Sox with the pontiff, who is known to be a fan of the team. Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens said he asked the pope to 'help out the White Sox,' to which the pope replied, 'Well, they could use a few more wins.' Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo 'Skip' Saviano also gifted the pope an Elmwood Park Police Department chaplain badge, designating him the police force's honorary chaplain.

  • The delegation visited the Vatican on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The private audience with Pope Leo XIV took place the same day in Clementine Hall.
  • On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, a small group of mayors had lunch with Chicago restaurateur Phil Stefani at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who was born in Chicago and is known to be a fan of the White Sox baseball team.

Brad Stephens

The mayor of Rosemont, Illinois, and a Republican state representative.

Angelo 'Skip' Saviano

The mayor of Elmwood Park, Illinois, who gifted the pope an Elmwood Park Police Department chaplain badge.

Phil Stefani

A Chicago restaurateur who is opening a restaurant and banquet facility at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Brian Burch

The U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, who was unable to meet with the delegation due to a hospital stay.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I asked him, hopefully he can help out the White Sox, and he said, 'Well, they could use a few more wins,' and I said, 'Well, they got the right guy here.'”

— Brad Stephens, Mayor of Rosemont

“He got a big kick out of it. … He's just a regular neighborhood guy. As educated and as worldly as he is, I think he likes the opportunity to come down to his roots.”

— Angelo 'Skip' Saviano, Mayor of Elmwood Park

“As nervous as we were to meet with him, once we met with him, it was so comforting. Just to talk to him, you felt like you're talking to your next door neighbor, for crying out loud. It was wonderful.”

— Angelo 'Skip' Saviano, Mayor of Elmwood Park

What’s next

The mayors plan to continue their diplomatic mission and cultural exchange in Italy, including a visit to the U.S. embassy in Rome. They are also expected to share their experiences and insights with their constituents back home.

The takeaway

This visit highlights the personal connections between the pope, a Chicago native, and local Midwest politicians, showcasing how religious and civic leaders can find common ground through shared interests like sports teams, even at the highest levels of power. The mayors' interactions with the pontiff demonstrate his approachable and relatable nature, despite his lofty position.