Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Meets with Pope Leo XIV
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had a meeting this week with Pope Leo XIV, who also hails from Illinois. The gathering, facilitated by Cardinal Blase Cupich from Chicago, featured the two leaders exchanging gifts and engaging in discussions about President Donald Trump’s “Operation Midway” ICE enforcement initiative.
Pritzker expressed that Pope Leo XIV’s messages of hope, mercy, unity, and peace resonate with individuals across Illinois, regardless of their faith traditions. The two discussed the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, especially concerning Illinois and Chicago. The governor voiced his agreement with the Pope’s pride in how Chicagoans have opposed the oppressive measures directed at immigrants.
According to reports, the Pope expressed strong feelings about ICE operations and sought to understand Pritzker’s perspective, particularly regarding the Midway situation. Pritzker shared that Leo was hopeful about the waning impact of the Chicago operation.
Just earlier this month, a number of U.S. bishops voiced support for Pope Leo, criticizing specific ICE actions including mass deportations, and expressing their concerns about the prevailing atmosphere of fear related to immigration enforcement.
The bishops, in a statement backed by a significant vote, emphasized their commitment to support their communities, acknowledging the rising anxiety surrounding issues of profiling and immigration enforcement.
Pope Leo brought up a provocative point regarding those who are anti-abortion yet seem to condone the harsh treatment of immigrants, questioning if they could genuinely call themselves “pro-life.” He remarked that while there are lawful avenues for dealing with undocumented immigrants, it’s crucial that their dignity is maintained throughout the process. However, he also noted that countries have the right to set their own immigration policies.
“No one is suggesting that the U.S. should completely open its borders,” Leo, whose actual name is Robert Prevost, stated.
Pritzker described the audience with the Pope as meaningful, highlighting a sense of humanity. He also mentioned that it felt particularly special for him as a Jewish individual.
During the meeting, Pritzker extended an invitation for Leo to visit Chicago and offered him a case of Da Pope beer from a local brewery. The Pope humorously remarked that he would keep it in the fridge.
The last papal visit to Chicago was in 1979, when Pope John Paul II addressed crowds at Grant Park.
