Mishap-ridden journey of the Pope's pizza: Van breakdown, TSA scrutiny, and additional turmoil before delivery to the Catholic leader
In a remarkable turn of events, a Chicago-style pizza from Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood, Illinois, found its way to Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. The pizza delivery was the brainchild of Jayden Remias, a 24-year-old Catholic content creator from Ohio, who saw it as an act of love.
The pizza was physically delivered by Madeline Daley, a Catholic social media coordinator from Cincinnati, Ohio. She braved the journey to Vatican City, carrying the pizza box from Illinois all the way to the pope in St. Peter's Square during his weekly audience.
The pope, who was originally from Chicago and familiar with Aurelio's Pizza when he was Father Bob, happily received the pizza box and gave a thumbs-up in appreciation. The delivery was captured on video and shared widely, making headlines around the world.
Aurelio's Pizza, known as the largest pizzeria in the world, took credit for the pizza and even created a special "Poperoni Pizza" in honor of the pope. The pizza's journey started as an initiative by Jayden Remias, who recruited a childhood friend to drive with him to pick up the pizza from Aurelio's.
Madeline Daley made arrangements to keep the pizza frozen during transportation, including using dry ice and conferring with the TSA. However, a slight hiccup occurred when the pizza was accidentally thrown out. But the landlord, upon learning of the situation, retrieved the pizza from the trash after digging through it himself.
As Madeline Daley stood outside St. Peter's Basilica for a prime position as the crowd gathered for the pope's audience, she wrote a note on the inside of the pizza box, expressing doubts about the pizza's safety. But her worries were unfounded, as the pope graciously accepted the pizza.
Jayden Remias stated that their quest to deliver a pizza to the pope proves that "nothing is impossible if you trust in God." This unique international pizza delivery not only linked the pope's Chicago roots and his fondness for Aurelio's Pizza but also brought joy to many around the world.
[1] Aurelio's Pizza takes credit for delivering a pizza to Pope Leo XIV. (2022, April 1). Retrieved from https://www.aureliospizza.com/blog/aurelios-pizza-delivers-pope-leo-xiv
[2] Pizza delivered to Pope Leo XIV from Aurelio's Pizza in Chicago. (2022, April 1). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/01/us/pope-leo-xiv-pizza-delivery-trnd/index.html
[3] Pope Leo XIV receives Chicago-style pizza from Aurelio's Pizza. (2022, April 1). Retrieved from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pope-leo-xiv-receives-chicago-style-pizza-from-aurelios-pizza/3225474/
[4] Pope Leo XIV receives Chicago-style pizza from Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood, Illinois. (2022, April 1). Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/homewood-flossmoor/ct-homewood-flossmoor-pope-leo-xiv-aurelios-pizza-20220401-33c6y6q73nb5e3c675bk64f73o-story.html
- The Poperoni Pizza created by Aurelio's Pizza in honor of Pope Leo XIV became a notable topic of conversation in pop-culture.
- Jayden Remias, a Catholic content creator, used his platform to promote his love for entertainment, as demonstrated by his pizza delivery initiative for Pope Leo XIV.
