Gifting Pope Leo a White Sox kippa, Chicago rabbi thanks him for words on Gaza war

During a recent visit to the Vatican, Chicago Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann met Pope Leo XIV and expressed gratitude for his balanced remarks on the ongoing war in Gaza. Heydemann thanked the pontiff for acknowledging the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians amid the conflict, highlighting his calls for the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire. The pope, the first American pontiff and a native of Chicago’s South Side, has described the violence in Gaza as “vengeance” and “barbarity,” comments that have sparked mixed reactions within the Jewish community. Heydemann, founder of Mishkan Chicago, was part of a delegation of civic, business, and faith leaders visiting Rome. She was the only rabbi in the group and said the encounter with the pope was emotionally significant, reflecting on the weight of leadership and public scrutiny that religious figures face. While some Jewish leaders criticized the pope’s statements as unfairly critical of Israel, Heydemann appreciated his approach, which she said offered a model for anti-war criticism that does not dehumanize any side. In addition to her words, Heydemann presented the pope with a White Sox-themed kippa as part of a collection of Chicago-themed gifts, acknowledging his lifelong devotion to the city’s baseball team. The kippa featured the White Sox logo on the outside and a pomegranate on the inside, symbolizing both the pope’s Chicago roots and a meaningful Jewish motif. The interaction underscored a rare moment of connection and mutual respect amid a deeply polarized conflict, illustrating the potential for dialogue and empathy across religious and cultural divides.