Pope Leo XIV Enjoys a Special Delivery of His Favorite Pizza from Chicago to the Vatican
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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, recently received a heartwarming surprise all the way from his hometown of Chicago to the Vatican – his favorite pizza! The 69-year-old pontiff, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, was gifted a special care package by a group of young Catholic influencers, showcasing their dedication to making his day extra special.
The American pope was riding through Saint Peter’s Square in Rome when he came across a familiar sight – a sign bearing the logo of Aurelio’s Pizza. Madeline Daley, a 22-year-old resident from Cincinnati, recounted the viral moment with excitement, stating that Pope Leo couldn’t resist the temptation of his beloved pizza and was visibly thrilled to see it.
The pope’s brother, John Prevost, confirmed that Pope Leo XIV indulged in a six-inch Aurelio’s pepperoni pizza that was thoughtfully shipped using dry ice. Joe Aurelio, the president and CEO of Aurelio’s Pizza, expressed his surprise and delight at the special delivery, highlighting the pope’s long-standing love for their pizza since the 1960s.
Aurelio’s Pizza, known for its thin crust Chicago-style varieties, holds a special place in Pope Leo’s heart, with the Illinois restaurant chain boasting both corporate-owned and franchised locations across six states. The gesture of sending his favorite pizza all the way from Chicago to Rome was a heartfelt way for the young Catholic influencers to show their appreciation for the pontiff.
This heartwarming act of kindness not only brought joy to Pope Leo XIV but also reflected the strong connection between the pontiff and his hometown roots in Chicago. The viral moment captured the pope’s genuine excitement and gratitude for the special delivery, showcasing the power of simple gestures to bring happiness and delight to those we admire and respect.
The group of young Catholic influencers, including Jayden Remias from Ohio and Jake Ochave from Virginia, went above and beyond to ensure the pope received his favorite pizza. Their dedication to making Pope Leo’s day memorable demonstrates the impact of small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness in brightening someone’s day, no matter how far apart they may be geographically.
As Pope Leo XIV savored his beloved Aurelio’s pepperoni pizza in the grandeur of the Vatican, surrounded by the love and support of his devoted followers, the heartwarming gesture served as a reminder of the power of connection and community in bringing joy and happiness to people, even in the most unexpected ways. The bond between the pope and his favorite pizza from Chicago truly exemplifies the essence of simple pleasures and meaningful connections that transcend borders and cultures.