Pope Leo XIV says he has ‘no fear’ of the Trump administration
Leo has been an outspoken critic of the Iran war, prompting criticism from President Donald Trump.
ROCKFORD, IL — Pope Leo XIV encouraged leaders from across Illinois to prioritize the needs of those most in need as a delegation of two dozen mayors and village leaders visited the Vatican during Holy Week.
“While there are many tasks that vie for your attention each day, I would encourage you to continue listening to the poor, to immigrants, to the least among you, seeking to accompany them in your work to promote the common good to the benefit of all,” Pope Leo told the delegation according to a transcript posted by The Holy See.
“In this way, each of your municipalities may be places for genuine encounter among all citizens, providing opportunities for every individual to flourish.”
The comments came as Catholics and Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A delegation organized by the Illinois Municipal League met with Pope Leo as part of the Illinois Mayors Public Diplomacy Mission. They included Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara; Rita Ali of Peoria; Dan Brady of Bloomington; Deborah Frank Feinen of Champaign; Michael Inman of Macomb; Chris Koos of Normal; and Julie Moore Wolfe of Decatur among others.
McNamara said in a statement that he was “honored and humbled” to participate in the visit which included a private audience with Pope Leo on March 30.
“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” McNamara said. “What has stayed with me most is the Pope’s call for civility and his reminder that our work should center on those most vulnerable — especially those without housing and those struggling with hunger.”
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo was raised in Dolton, Illinois, which was represented on the trip. He is the first pope from the United States.
Participants visited historic religious and cultural sites throughout Rome, participated in meetings with international and diplomatic leaders and attended events in Vatican City, according to a news release from La Grange Park.
Pope Leo told the assembled mayors that “suffering cannot always be avoided or removed, but redemptive meaning can be found that not only restores lost dignity, but opens the door to new life,” according to the transcript.
“As men and women charged with the role of governance, you too are called to discover and to exemplify the gift of service,” the Pope said. “In a particular way, you are called to be attentive to the needs of the weakest and the most vulnerable in order to assist them towards an integral human development.”
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.