CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s important we recognize people\u2019s right to have a safe place to sleep at night\u2019: Illinois bill could change homelessness enforcement <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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, \u201conce-in-a-lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe 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,\u201d Feinen said. \u201cAnd so, hearing his words directly for the mayors of Illinois were really special.\u201d<\/p>\n