Chicago Pilgrims Catch Pope Leo XIV's Attention at Vatican Audience

Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots and years of missionary work in Peru are highlighted as he issues an appeal for the Catholic Church’s 2026 World Mission Day, marking its centennial. Separately, 50 pilgrims from Chicago and New York caught the pope’s attention at a general audience in St. Peter’s Square and were later brought to meet him, including a 92-year-old parishioner. The Urbandale Historical Society is also holding a library program about “The Pope’s Visit to Urbandale” as part of its monthly history series.