During a meeting at the Vatican on Monday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance gifted Pope Leo XIV a personalized Chicago Bears jersey and extended an invitation to visit the United States ahead of the U.S.-led push for ceasefire negotiations in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Some Catholics in Chicago still hope the new pope will signal greater acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community — with time.

In Chicago, whether it’s architecture or Catholicism, we do ordinary very well. It’s one reason we now call Pope Leo XIV our own.

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio enjoyed a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, bringing with them a message from the White House.

I t’s been 10 days since Pope Leo XIV’s election, and Chicago continues to celebrate. The latest foray comes from a Hyde Park restaurant located about a mile from the Catholic

Vice President JD Vance met with the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday and gifted the Chicago native a Bears jersey with his name and the number “XIV." Secretary of State Marco Rubio as well as Vance’s wife,

JD Vance didn't arrive at the Vatican empty-handed ... the Vice President brought a custom Chicago Bears jersey for Pope Leo XIV, featuring the Holy Father's name! Vance presented the new Pope with the special gift during their meeting in the Apostolic Palace on Monday

Italians — and Romans in particular — have had mixed responses to the so-called “American pope.” Most are cautiously optimistic, taking a wait-and-see approach to the 69-year-old pontiff who grew up in the south suburbs.