Suburban mayors traveling to the Vatican this week to meet native son Pope Leo XIV

A delegation of suburban mayors are at the Vatican this week to meet Pope Leo XIV as part of a diplomatic mission and cultural exchange.

Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens and Bloomingdale Mayor Franco Coladipietro are among the elected municipal officials who will be part of the private audience with the Chicago native son who now heads the Catholic Church.

Others on the trip include Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady, Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano, Lemont Mayor John Egofske, Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Normal Mayor Mayor Chris Koos and River Forest Mayor Cathy Adduci.

The visit to Rome is being coordinated by the Illinois Municipal League, the statewide association representing the 1,294 cities, villages and towns in Illinois.

“We look forward to meeting with Pope Leo and learning about the important cultural and diplomatic work that is done in the Vatican as well as how we can engage with them in Illinois,” said Stephens, who doubles as the Republican state representative for the 20th District in the Northwest suburbs and Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Stephens, who is bringing along his 13-year-old son Joseph, said he’s humbled and honored to be part of the diplomatic mission.

Coladipietro said he, too, is honored to be part of the mission to Rome and looks forward to carrying best wishes from Bloomingdale. He was quick to tell followers on social media that his trip isn’t being paid for by taxpayer funds.

The Illinois mayors’ visit, from Saturday through Thursday, follows meetings at the Vatican between the pontiff and Gov. JB Pritzker in November, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago labor union leaders in October.

The mayors are also expected to meet with another local from the Chicago suburbs: United States Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch.

Burch was president of the Seton Montessori School board in Villa Park and co-founder and president of the conservative Catholic political advocacy group CatholicVote until his nomination by President Donald Trump and confirmation by the Senate last August.

Trip organizers said Burch is expected to offer insight into international diplomacy and global partnerships.

The mayors will also visit historic, religious and cultural sites throughout Rome.