<p>He comes bearing gifts — namely, Chicago giardiniera.</p><p>When Mayor Brandon Johnson <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv/2026/05/26/pope-leo-chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-vatican-visit" >meets Pope Leo XIV</a> at the Vatican on Thursday, he will present the pontiff with a jar of the Italian relish from J.P. Graziano, the storied grocer in the West Loop.</p><p>“We are very honored and wildly excited,” said Jim Graziano, the fourth-generation owner of J.P. Graziano.</p><p>A member of Johnson’s office came to the store last week to pick up one jar of house-made Partanna Extra Virgin Hot Giardiniera to give to the pontiff.