Pope Leo XIV enjoyed a taste of home on Wednesday when he received a special delivery of Aurelio's pizza from Chicago. The first American pope, who grew up in the Chicago area, was greeting crowds in St. Peter's Square during a jubilee youth event when he spotted a sign that read, "We have Aurelio's pizza!"

As the pontiff was driven through the square, he gestured for his security guard to retrieve the pizza. The delivery was made by a group of friends from the Midwest, including 22-year-old Madeline Daley from Cincinnati, who played a key role in the final leg of the delivery.

Daley described the moment, saying, "When Pope Leo came around, he kept grabbing babies to bless them, but as soon as he saw the pizza, he had babies in his hand, but he's still saying, like, 'Get me that pizza, I want that pizza.'" She noted that the pope's excitement was evident when he saw the Aurelio's logo.

Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of Aurelio's Pizza, expressed his delight at the delivery. He stated, "Pope Leo has been a lifetime Aurelio's fan and going to Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood, Illinois, since the 1960s. So it's been part of his life and for him to recognize (the pizza) and actually stop there in the audience was amazing."

The pope was seen enjoying a six-inch pepperoni pizza, which was confirmed by his brother, John Prevost. The event was shared on social media, showcasing the moment and drawing attention from both American Catholics and pizza enthusiasts.

Aurelio's Pizza, founded in Homewood in 1959, has grown to 38 locations across six states. The company expressed gratitude for the recognition from the pope and hopes to connect with the individuals who facilitated the delivery to thank them personally.