State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington) has introduced legislation to formally recognize the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, a native of Chicago, to the Papacy – an unprecedented event in Illinois, U.S., and world history.
House Bill 2083 proposes establishing a commemorative area on the Illinois Capitol grounds to honor the occasion. Importantly, the legislation also sets up a commission with the intention to receive donations. No taxpayer funds will be used. In addition to donations, all costs will be covered through the sale of a new specialty state license plate.
“This is not a religious monument. It’s about acknowledging a truly historic moment,” said Rep. McLaughlin. “In more than 2,000 years no American, let alone an Illinoisan, has ever been elevated to the Papacy. It’s a global story with Illinois at the heart.”
McLaughlin noted that in the first week alone since Pope Leo XIV was selected hundreds of thousands of bobbleheads and other related items were sold, indicating widespread public enthusiasm.
Rep. McLaughlin’s proposal has drawn bi-partisan support, with members from both sides of the aisle expressing their backing of the bill. Still, the legislation remains stuck in committee with just three days remaining in the General Assembly’s Spring legislative session, raising questions among lawmakers.
“Many members are asking the same thing I am: ‘Why isn’t this moving?’” McLaughlin said. “We’ve passed symbolic resolutions honoring everything from Morris the cat to declaring an official state tequila. Surely, we can agree that elevating an Illinoisan to the highest position in global religious leadership warrants acknowledgement,”
McLaughlin emphasized that the initiative is about history, unity, and pride in Illinois-not a religious endorsement.
“This Pope’s message of tolerance and global cooperation deserves recognition, not gridlock,” McLaughlin said.