Photos

Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood celebrates connection to new pope

Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of Aurelio's Pizza, speaks about the excitement surrounding their most famous guest, Pope Leo XIV, at their first pizzeria in Homewood, IL, on May 15, 2025. Not only has Joe set aside a Pope Leo XIV table with a designated chair for guests but has added to the menu a “Pope-A-Roni Pizza.” (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of Aurelio's Pizza, speaks about the excitement surrounding their most famous guest, Pope Leo XIV, at their first pizzeria in Homewood, IL, on May 15, 2025. Not only has Joe set aside a Pope Leo XIV table with a designated chair for guests but has added to the menu a “Pope-A-Roni Pizza.” (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Joe Aurelio talks about the pope's visit to the restaurant. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A copy of the photo that went viral of then-Cardinal Robert Prevost posing for a photo at the restaurant in August 2024. (Photo provided)
The restaurant's designated "pope table." (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The “Pope-A-Roni Pizza.” (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The area with the "popes" table that includes the "Tolentine Room" sign and a group of White Sox seats. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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