Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday became the latest Illinois politician to made the trek to Vatican City to meet with Dolton-born Pope Leo XIV. While Johnson spent about an hour with the pontiff discussing war, affordability and the legacy of slavery, we wanted to know what you would ask the pope if you had his ear for five minutes.
“I’d want to know his feelings on the separation of church and state — and does he have a good sense of humor?” — Paul Lockwood
“As an American, what additional pressure, if any, do you feel to remain true to God’s word and truth — even when it conflicts [and] collides with the trending downward of America’s current value system?” — Derek D. Forest
“How did he start and continue to question AI?” — John Dunn Smith
“I would ask the Pope that if the earth is a gift from God, what responsibilities do we have as caretakers for its viability?” — Joe
“The Church’s poor treatment of survivors of abuse by clergy/religious and — by contrast — the empathy and compassion that they show to abusers.” — Terry Steubenville
“If he ever hung out at Orland Park’s mall like I did.” — Jennifer Bronson Jackson
“I would ask Pope Leo about his early years in Chicago’s south suburbs. I’m especially curious about the people who really shaped him and the important moments, even seemingly inconsequential ones, that led him to his current path.” — Janet Volk
“When will the church permit women to become priests?” — Brian Piper
“Why do [Archdiocese of Chicago] Cardinal [Blase] Cupich and COO Betsy Bohlen appear to view Catholic education no longer as a sacred mission, but merely as a financial line item? With more than $500 million in liquid assets, why are schools being closed over relatively modest annual deficits of $140,000 — shortfalls that could likely be resolved through better management, stronger oversight and a renewed commitment to the Church’s educational mission?” — Angel Garcia
“I would let His Holiness know that it was so very neat (and appropriate) that he quoted J.R.R. Tolkien (LOTR, Return of the King) in his first Encyclical. He is truly a Mellon [friend].” — tpturneriv
“I’ll ask him what are his greatest concerns, and we’ll pray over it.” — Angel Pia Jr.
“I would ask if and when he plans to come back to visit Chicago.” — Chris Devine
“How ’bout those Sox!” — Daniel Novik