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* Mawa Iqbal at WBEZ…
Before Robert F. Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, he was apparently keeping a close eye on at least one major Illinois issue.
Documents obtained by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times through a public records request show that in 2011 the Chicago-born pope sent his gratitude to then-Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn for abolishing the death penalty in Illinois.
The note was submitted through an online form on the Illinois governor’s website the same day Quinn signed the act into law on March 9, 2011.
“Dear Governor Quinn, THANK YOU for your courageous decision in signing into law the elimination of the death penalty,” the note reads. “I know it was a difficult decision, but I applaud your vision and your understanding of the very complex matter. You have my full support! Sincerely, Robert F. Prevost.”
Quinn, who was not aware of the note’s existence before being contacted for this story, was immediately surprised that the person who would eventually become the pope had written to him more than a decade earlier.
“Can you text me a copy of the letter?” Quinn said when first told of the letter. “I think I’ll frame it.”
* I did notice that the future Pope Leo declined to be added to the governor’s newsletter list…
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 1:55 pm
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That’s fantastic! For one thing, to write in as a constituent and not use his title is pretty cool. For another thing, to call out the death penalty and be consistent with the Church’s teachings regarding respect of all life is equally cool. And, of course, His Holiness being a Sox fan is the coolest of all.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:11 pm
I know people like to criticize Quinn’s leadership, but he worked with so many constituencies to end the death penalty, including many in my own parish.
After yet another corrupt pol in IL heads to the slammer, Quinn needs to be appreciated.
I was glad to work in State Government when he was at the helm.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:11 pm
That should energize Quinn he will be able to use it for his next run for office. S/
Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:13 pm
Quinn is a decent and honorable man and was a good governor. Now that the extent of Madigan’s corruption is known, I hope there’s a reexamination of his legacy in office.
He was leading the state when the speaker/leader of the democratic party was not operating in good faith - and still managed to get a lot of positive stuff done.
I like Pat Quinn - unpopular position with many insiders in Illinois government. Really cool that Pope Leo sent him this note of gratitude.
Comment by Carpe GM Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:14 pm
“… Quinn needs to be appreciated.”
No, he doesn’t. While he might not have engaged in “traditional” corruption, his use of patronage gainsays any claim to being a “reformer” … . And then, of course, Squeezy the Pension Python … .
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:15 pm
Anyone:
I did not call him a reformer.
I never was put in a position by Quinn or his minions to do it my way or the highway.
Just sayin’.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:25 pm
==Squeezy the Pension Python==
I’ll still argue with anyone that Quinn missed out on a real chance to address the state’s budget deficit by not selling Squeezy stuffed animals. There was a goldmine there. /s
Comment by TreeFiddy Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:25 pm
Speaker Madigan opposed both Rod Blagojevich and Pat Quinn on numerous occasions.
Pat Quinn wasn’t perfect (he relied heavily on Emil Jones) and I did not agree with him on all issues, but he was never a target for corruption like so many other politicians.
Unlike Madigan, Quinn didn’t amass great personal wealth over the course of his political career. Supposedly, he purchased his house in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood because he could not afford a comparable single family home in Oak Park.
After he served on the Cook County Board of Appeals, Quinn did represent clients seeking reductions in their property tax assessments. He did not make a fortune doing appeals work.
Comment by Fair to Middling Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:37 pm
As a longtime supporter of the Innocence Project, I was glad to see Illinois eliminate the death penalty.
And yes, I liked Pat Quinn too. His attending funerals of Illinois military personnel while lt. governor was a class act.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:38 pm
Very cool. Most people overlook the massive issues that Pat Quinn took on as Governor. He wasn’t perfect, but his legacy was one of big changes to our state, and I would argue they were for the better.
Comment by Excitable Boy Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 2:48 pm
Looks like the Pontiff’s admiration for Governor Quinn didn’t last long
He voted in Illinois Republican primaries in 2012, 2014 and 2016
Comment by Paul Powell Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:15 pm
That’s neat. Pat Quinn deserves more credit. He was a decent governor especially compared to what came after him.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:21 pm
===didn’t last long===
Doesn’t prove or disprove whether he voted for Quinn in the general.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:29 pm
Perhaps there is a lesson in humility here for Catholic Bishop Paprocki who has interjected himself into issues.
Comment by Jacque Pepin’s Left Arm Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:31 pm
How so?
Both Bishop Paprocki and Pope Leo XIV were affirming Catholic doctrine concerning the sanctity of human life.
Isn’t that to be expected by Catholic priests?
Comment by Paul Powell Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:39 pm
Paul Powell - to me, the main difference is that the Pope seemed to be affirming Catholic doctrine in a quieter more dignified manner.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:55 pm
“I hope there’s a reexamination of his legacy in office.”
PQ sure doesn’t. Any would bring to light how willing he was to cozy up to Madigan and McClain any chance he got. See Biggins, Bob.
Comment by *ducks* Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 3:58 pm
- cozy up to Madigan -
Nonsense. They had a very difficult relationship at best.
Comment by Excitable Boy Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 4:19 pm
Paprocki is big on public judgement of people and publicly denying people communion. Sort of a politically-motivated act, to me.
Comment by Jacque Pepin’s Left Arm Monday, Jun 23, 25 @ 6:18 pm