Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Meets with Pope Leo XIV
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this week. Both shared a common connection as they hail from Illinois.
During the meeting, Pope Leo expressed his disappointment regarding the new law in Illinois that permits medically assisted suicide. He had previously urged Governor Pritzker not to sign the legislation, which he believes disrespects human life from start to finish.
“Sadly, he chose to sign it,” Leo stated to reporters in Rome. “This decision disappoints me greatly.”
On December 12, Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, often referred to as “Deb’s Law.” This law allows terminally ill adults to receive medication to end their lives after discussing it with their doctors.
The legislation was named in memory of Deb Robertson, a longtime Illinois resident who struggled with a rare terminal illness and was a strong advocate for this law’s passage. It is set to go into effect in September 2026, giving healthcare providers time to prepare necessary processes and protections.
Pope Leo mentioned that Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago also tried to convince Pritzker not to sign the bill, but his efforts did not succeed.
In his statement, Pope Leo invited everyone to reflect on the value of life, particularly during the holiday season. “I hope we can rekindle respect for life at every stage, from conception to natural death,” he said.
Catholic leaders in Illinois have condemned the new law, arguing that it leads the state toward a troubling path.
With this new law, Illinois joins a growing number of states where medically assisted suicide is legal. Currently, eleven states and the District of Columbia have such laws, with seven more considering similar measures.
After signing the bill, Pritzker noted that it gives terminally ill patients the option to “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering” in their final days, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful implementation as patients and doctors navigate these difficult choices.
