Pope Leo XIV broke from routine during a public appearance Wednesday by accepting a small pepperoni pizza from a fan in the crowd at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome.

The delivery was part of a monthlong journey organized by admirers to celebrate the American-born pope’s decades-long love for a well-known Chicago pizza chain, New York Post reported.

The 69-year-old pontiff, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, hails from Illinois and made history in 2025 when he became the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His ties to the Chicago area remain strong, and that includes a lifelong appreciation for Aurelio’s Pizza, a local favorite that has now earned global attention thanks to an unconventional public delivery.

A Crowd, A Sign, And A Pepperoni Box

On July 30, during the pope's weekly ride through the Vatican's central square, 22-year-old Madeline Daley from Cincinnati stood out by waving a pizza box high in the air. In her other hand, she held a sign reading, “We have Aurelio’s pizza.” The attention-grabbing move worked quickly.

Once Pope Leo spotted the familiar branding, he smiled broadly and signaled to his security detail. Even while blessing attendees—many of whom were handing him infants—he directed his guards to collect the box.

“When Pope Leo came around, he kept grabbing babies to bless them,” Daley told NBC News. “But as soon as he saw the pizza, even while holding babies, he was saying, ‘Get me that pizza.’”

Journey From The Midwest To Vatican City

The pizza’s arrival in Vatican City capped off a 30-day effort led by 26-year-old Catholic influencer Jayden Remias of Ohio. He devised the challenge to hand-deliver a slice of home to the now-global religious leader. “It started 30 days ago when I started a challenge to deliver a pizza to the pope,” he told WGN.

Remias initiated the trek by driving to the original Aurelio’s location in Homewood, Illinois, where he picked up a personal pepperoni pie, frozen for transport. He then passed it off to Daley for the overseas leg of the mission. The entire journey was planned and executed entirely by lay supporters hoping to brighten the pope’s day.

Remias said he wanted to bring joy to someone who has given so much to the Church. Choosing Aurelio’s, he said, was an easy call given the pope’s well-known affection for the brand.

The Pontiff’s Flavorful Reaction

Pope Leo’s reaction did not disappoint. Witnesses said he expressed obvious delight upon receiving the box, flashing a thumbs-up and an unmistakable smile. According to the pope’s brother, John Prevost, the pontiff wasted no time enjoying the treat.

“He devoured the personal pepperoni pie,” John Prevost said, reflecting on the moment with amusement. The delivery offered a light-hearted break from papal traditions, endearing the pontiff even more to his supporters and fans worldwide.

Daley said she saw clear joy on Pope Leo’s face when he laid eyes on the familiar packaging. “Seeing the logo made him light up,” she said. “His smile stretched from ear to ear, and he was extremely excited about it.”

A Slice Of Nostalgia From The 1960s

The connection between Pope Leo and Aurelio's Pizza goes back over half a century. As a young man growing up in Homewood, Illinois, Robert Prevost frequently visited the original location. His love for the thin-crust, Chicago-style pizza never faded, even as his spiritual journey took him across the globe.

Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of the pizza company, said the event was a proud moment for both the brand and its longtime customer. “Pope Leo has been a lifetime Aurelio’s fan,” Aurelio stated. “He’s been going to our Homewood location since the 1960s, so for him to recognize the pizza and stop during a public event was amazing.”

As the story spread, photos from the event circulated widely across social media and news outlets, showing the pope gripping the iconic red-and-white box with enthusiasm. The occurrence added a dash of levity and humanity to a highly revered figure.

Chicago Roots, Global Stage

Pope Leo XIV's American background often draws attention, but rarely does that attention involve favorite foods. His roots in the Midwest remain a meaningful part of his biography, particularly for many Americans following his papacy.

The viral pizza delivery highlighted not only his humble beginnings, but also the global connectivity that pop culture and religion can share in unexpected ways. What started as a lighthearted challenge turned into a moment witnessed by thousands in person—and millions more online.

While the Vatican has not officially commented on dietary preferences, the pope's actions spoke volumes. His enthusiastic response underscored his connection to ordinary people and the enduring power of small joys—like a slice of pepperoni pizza from home.