CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Mayor of Champaign recently joined municipal leaders from across the state on a mission to Rome and even got to meet Pope Leo XIV.
In a press release Wednesday, the City of Champaign said Mayor Deborah Feinen joined other Illinois leaders in the Illinois Mayors Public Diplomacy Mission, Papal Visit and Cultural Exchange which was held in Rome.
This mission was coordinated by the Illinois Municipal League (IML) and brought together a small group of mayors and community leaders for a program focused on international engagement, cultural exchange and diplomacy.
During this program, participants visited historic religious and cultural sites throughout Rome, took part in meetings with international and diplomatic leaders and attended events in Vatican City. The delegation also attended a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, which the city said many described the experience as, “once-in-a-lifetime.”
“He had words for our delegation about public service, about making sure that we serve the least of our community, thanking us for our public service, and then also just telling us to serve with joy and enthusiasm,” Feinen said. “And so, hearing his words directly for the mayors of Illinois were really special.”
This mission also included talks with Deputy Chief of Mission Laura L. Hochla of the United States Embassy to the Holy See. Deputy Chief Hochla provided insight to international diplomacy and global partnerships.
“It was an incredible honor to represent the City of Champaign and join fellow municipal leaders from across Illinois during the mission,” Feinen said. “The experience provided meaningful opportunities to learn, connect and reflect on how local leadership can contribute to a global community.”
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