• Pope Leo XIV received a personal pepperoni pizza from Chicago’s Aurelio’s Pizza during his July visit to Saint Peter’s Square.
• The pizza was delivered through a Midwest fan mission involving a Catholic content creator and a young volunteer.
• The gesture sparked widespread public joy, highlighting the pope’s connection to his American roots and love for simple comforts.

In a heartwarming scene that melted the hearts of pizza lovers and Catholics alike, Pope Leo XIV recently enjoyed a special treat that traveled thousands of miles from Chicago to the heart of Rome. The 69-year-old pontiff, born and raised in Illinois, indulged in a personal-sized pepperoni pizza from none other than Aurelio’s Pizza — a beloved Chicago institution he has cherished since his youth.

The moment unfolded on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, July 30, as Pope Leo XIV made his way through the iconic Saint Peter’s Square. This wasn’t just any pizza delivery; it was a thoughtful gesture crafted by friends from the American Midwest, a region known for its strong Catholic communities and, of course, deep affection for their local pizza.

A Midwest Mission: Delivering a Taste of Home to the Pope

What started as a quirky challenge soon blossomed into a full-blown mission. Jayden Remias, a Catholic content creator from Ohio, sparked the idea about a month earlier. His goal? To deliver a slice of the pope’s favorite pizza from Chicago all the way to the Vatican.

“It began 30 days ago when I set out to see if I could get a pizza to the pope,” Jayden told Chicago’s WGN-TV. With that resolve, he hit the road, driving straight to the Windy City to pick up a frozen personal pie from Aurelio’s — a place Pope Leo XIV had frequented since childhood. But Jayden’s journey was just the beginning.

The pizza was handed off to Madeline Daley, a 22-year-old from Cincinnati whom Jayden had connected with online. She would complete the final leg, delivering the pizza in person as Pope Leo XIV toured the bustling piazza.

The Big Moment: Pizza Meets Pope

Madeline knew this wasn’t just a simple handoff. She needed to catch the pope’s attention in a crowd of thousands. Waving the familiar box of Aurelio’s and holding up a sign declaring, “We have Aurelio’s pizza,” she succeeded in standing out. Pope Leo XIV spotted the gesture and signaled his security detail to accept the homemade gift.

The scene was priceless. The pope’s face lit up as he reached for the warm, cheesy pie — a symbol of his Chicago roots. According to his brother, John Prevost, the pope “devoured” the pepperoni slice with obvious delight. A big thumbs-up and a beaming smile followed, sparking cheers and joy among onlookers.

The Pizza That Holds a Lifetime of Memories

Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of Aurelio’s Pizza, described the moment as nothing short of “amazing.” The connection between the pontiff and the Chicago pizza chain runs deep. “Pope Leo has been a lifelong fan of Aurelio’s, visiting the Homewood, Illinois location since the 1960s,” Joe shared. “For him to recognize the pizza and pause during the audience was incredible.”

The story resonates far beyond the Vatican walls. It highlights the power of food to bridge distances and bring comfort through familiarity. For Pope Leo XIV, who took the name Leo to honor tradition while ushering in a new era as the first American pope, this slice of pizza was more than just a meal — it was a warm reminder of home.

Public Reaction: A Slice of Joy Despite Global Challenges

News of the pizza delivery quickly spread, sparking a wave of reactions online and among Catholics worldwide. Many praised the gesture as a refreshing, lighthearted moment amid the often solemn atmosphere surrounding the Church. Some called it a sign that even the highest leaders appreciate simple pleasures.

“I love that the pope still has a down-to-earth side,” commented one Twitter user. “A little pepperoni pie is all it takes to make anyone’s day better—even the pope!” Others appreciated the connection to Chicago’s rich culinary history, with fans of Aurelio’s proud to see their favorite pie honored on a global stage.

Yet, not all feedback was purely celebratory. Some critics pointed out the irony of the pope enjoying a pepperoni pizza, given the Church’s long-standing traditions and the ongoing debates about indulgence and moderation. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority embraced the moment as a rare glimpse of humanity in a world leader.