There was a very special meeting with the pope for a group from Chicago.
Monday, May 18, 2026 10:53PMLeaders from Catholic Extension Society enjoyed a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican Monday morning. The Chicago-based organization is dedicated to building vibrant Catholic faith communities in America's poorest neighborhoods.
Its mission speaks to Pope Leo's wish for peace and one-ness. Catholic Extension Society President Father Jack Wall said that Pope Leo was especially interested in members of the group who are out in communities across America, connecting with people in those underserved areas.
"And he certainly expressed it in a very genuine way. It's such a joy to be able to listen to someone who is from Chicago. He's from our hometown. He knows us very well, and he just spoke with heartfulness about what we are doing and really seeing us as an alliance to what his great dream is, which is bringing the human community together," Wall said.
The pope will soon be visited by several more people from the Chicago area. New York City's new archbishop, Ronald Hicks, is expected to receive his pallium, a sacred band, from the pope within the next few weeks.
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