The luncheon took place after the pontiff celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the Jubilee of the Poor. A jubilee year is a special time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church and is celebrated every 25 years.

Pope Leo supported U.S. bishops in their Nov. 12 message on immigration, saying “we have to look for ways of treating people humanely.”

Gov. JB Pritzker shared photos on Wednesday of meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying he felt honor and reverence for the new pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV had lunch on Sunday with more than 1,300 people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, gathering with them in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

The pope is urging countries at United Nations climate talks to take “concrete actions” to stop climate change that is threatening vulnerable people across the planet.

Pope Leo XIV recently blessed the theatrical experience, and named classics like Ordinary People and The Sound of Music among his favorite movies.

Chiclayo is celebrating following the inauguration and blessing of a large statue of Pope Leo XIV, located in a central roundabout in the city.