Pope Leo XIV told the mayors of Bloomington and Normal that authority must be understood as service.
The Vatican News Agency reported during an audience with a delegation from the Illinois Municipal League that included Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and Normal Mayor Chris Koos that the Pope referred to the example of Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve.” He described this model as both “a beacon and a challenge” for those in governance.
“As men and women charged with the role of governance, you too are called to discover and exemplify the gift of service,” said Pope Leo. “Leaders are called to be attentive to the needs of the weakest and the most vulnerable in order to assist them towards an integral human development.”
He said public officials have a duty to reduce and alleviate suffering and hardship.
"With all of the measures that love suggests and the law provides,” said the Pope quoting Giorgio La Pira, the former mayor of Florence.
He said effective governance requires a real understanding of people’s lives and that public servants must uphold individual dignity.
“You must first strive to know people’s aspirations as well as their challenges,” said Leo XIV.
The pope also asked Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who served migrants in Chicago, to give help to the mayors.
The comments came during a Holy Week trip by members of the Municipal League board. The league represents around 1,300 municipalities in the state.
“This will be an incredible honor to represent Bloomington as an invited guest and join fellow mayors from across Illinois, several who I served with in the Illinois General Assembly,” said Mayor Brady before departing. “I am truly looking forward to the trip and bringing back lessons and inspiration to Bloomington from this experience.”
The league delegation schedule included a meeting with Brian Burch, a Chicago native and the United States Ambassador to Vatican City.
"It was such an incredible opportunity to meet Pope Leo and hear his address to Illinois mayors. He spoke of the work of mayors around the world to serve and provide safety, opportunity and life quality to all who live in their cities," said Mayor Koos.
The delegation is also visiting historic religious and cultural sites throughout Rome.
[This story has been changed to add a comment from Mayor Koos.]
