Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says it was "an honor" to meet with Pope Leo XIV - who he called a "son of Illinois" - during a visit to the Vatican.
The governor shared images on his Instagram page of the Wednesday meeting, as well as a shot of himself and his wife M.K. with the Chicago native born Robert Prevost. The meeting happened ahead of the Pope's general audience in St. Peter's Square.
In video released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pritzker can be seen handing a formal invitation to the Pope to return to his home state for a visit. He also brought a number of gifts, including a supply of Burning Bush Brewery's new mild ale called "Da Pope."
In a statement, the governor said it was an honor "to express the pride and reverence of the people of this great state."
He continued: "Pope Leo XIV's message of hope, compassion, unity, and peace resonates with Illinoisans of all faiths and traditions."
The governor's office did not confirm details of the conversation between the two men, though reports have suggested they discussed the impact of the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown on Illinois. The office also did not disclose whether the governor's trip was an official visit.