Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost before he was elected the first American pope earlier this year, received the gift as he rode through Saint Peter’s Square in Rome on Wednesday, July 30. His brother, John Prevost, told Chicago TV station WGN that the pontiff “devoured” the personal pepperoni pie.

It's not every day Chicago-style pizza ends up in Vatican City—hand-delivered to the pope himself. But that's exactly what happened when two people brought Aurelio's Pizza to St. Peter's Square, catching the attention (and thumbs-up) of Pope Leo XIV.

A group of young Catholic influencers teamed up to get Pope Leo XIV his favorite dish — Aurelio’s pepperoni pizza — shipped from his hometown of Chicago.