Chicago families and pizza lovers can now celebrate the city’s most famous native, Pope Leo XIV, with a limited‑edition pizza box from Aurelio’s Pizza. Starting Thursday, every large Poperoni Pizza ordered at any of the chain’s 32 suburban locations will come in a specially designed box featuring an image of the pope receiving an Aurelio’s slice.
How the box works
The lid includes a punch‑out section that diners can hold under their chins for a playful Pope‑inspired photo. Aurelio’s encourages customers to share their pictures on social media, turning a simple meal into a community‑wide celebration of faith and local heritage.
Why the tribute matters
President and CEO Joe Aurelio said the new packaging marks the first change to Aurelio’s pizza box in more than three decades. The promotion coincides with the chain’s 67th anniversary and National Pizza Month, highlighting both the company’s longevity and its deep connection to Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
According to Aurelio, the pope’s relationship with the restaurant dates back to 1969, when he visited the Homewood location while studying at an Augustinian seminary in Holland, Michigan. His most recent visit occurred in August 2024, when he gathered with longtime friends at the Homewood restaurant. A photo from that gathering went viral after his election, and the image now hangs in the restaurant alongside rosaries blessed by the pope and other papal memorabilia.
Special features and pricing
The commemorative box also includes a QR code that links to a short video showing Pope Leo receiving an Aurelio’s pizza in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in July 2025. A large Poperoni Pizza, topped with “cup and crisp” pepperoni that curls as it cooks, costs between $31 and $37 depending on the location, with an average price of about $33.
In total, Aurelio’s produced 7,000 of the special boxes to distribute among its locations in Homewood, La Grange, Tinley Park, Addison, Frankfort and other Chicago suburbs. The boxes will be available while supplies last, making them a sought‑after collector’s item for both pizza enthusiasts and supporters of the pope’s faith.
Community response
Local residents have embraced the tribute, noting the unique blend of culinary tradition and religious pride. The Homewood restaurant’s “Pope’s table,” where the pontiff dined with friends, has become a stop on Pope‑themed bus tours, further cementing the chain’s role in celebrating Chicago’s Catholic heritage.
As National Pizza Month continues, Aurelio’s hopes the promotion will draw families to its restaurants, support local jobs, and reinforce the sense of community that has defined the brand since its founding.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
