Pope leo xiv remembers dolton childhood, highlights local needs
A private audience at the Vatican yielded a poignant moment for Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin: a rare smile from Pope Leo XIV as he examined a photograph of his boyhood home in Dolton, Illinois.
Unexpected connection, lasting impact
The delegation, led by Chalmers-Currin, presented the Vatican with a plaque featuring the image of the historic house, now undergoing redevelopment by the village of Dolton. The encounter, she revealed, underscored the Pope’s surprisingly deep familiarity with the Chicago area and its surrounding communities.
“He knew the towns, he knew Lincoln Mall – demolished in 2018, a significant landmark in the south suburbs – and he knew Matteson,” Chalmers-Currin explained. “It was profoundly moving to realize that this man of global influence held such a clear recollection of a small Illinois village.”
A focus on vulnerable communities
During the address, the Pope emphasized the importance of municipal leaders prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable – the poor, immigrants, and marginalized – urging them to actively listen to their struggles. This message resonated deeply with Chalmers-Currin and the delegation.
“He stressed that authority must be understood as service,” Chalmers-Currin stated. “The example he gave was that Christ came not to be served, but to serve.”
Beyond the historical significance, the visit highlighted the Pope’s genuine interest in the everyday realities of American communities. Lemont Mayor John Egofske, a practicing Catholic, described the experience as particularly meaningful, connecting his faith to his choice of residence in Lemont and the village’s reputation as a center of faith. He recounted a personal anecdote of meeting the Pope before his papacy, a moment he described as “really cool to kind of bring it full circle.”
A humble leader
Chalmers-Currin described the Pope as “humble and very personable,” noting that he took the time to individually greet each member of the delegation. The Illinois Municipal League, comprised of approximately twenty mayors including those from Kankakee and Bolingbrook, were deeply impressed by the encounter.
“He took the time to shake the hands of all the individuals there,” Chalmers-Currin recalled. “He took the time to greet each and every one of them.”
This visit serves as a powerful reminder that even the most influential figures are, at their core, individuals with personal histories and a capacity for genuine connection. The focus on community and service, delivered directly by the Pope, is a clear call to action for local leaders nationwide.