Vatican City’s been a popular spot for Illinois dignitaries since Chicago native Robert Prevost ascended to the papacy last year as Pope Leo XIV.
Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ gift, however, was possibly the most on brand.
He delivered the pontiff a certificate to reclaim $8.65 of his own money, a sum held in a now-closed PayPal account. The money had been sitting in Illinois’ unclaimed property account, and Frerichs — the account’s administrator — has been trying to return it. He did so last week on a personal trip to the Vatican.