Archbishop Listecki (Chicago native) Bets Against His Bears

On Monday, January 17, 2011, the office of Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, archbishop of Milwaukee, contacted the office of Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, to place a friendly bet.

When the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears, Cardinal George will send Archbishop Listecki a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. In the unlikely event that the Packers lose, Sargento Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wis., will send a cheese gift basket to Cardinal George on behalf of Archbishop Listecki.

Since Sargento is the official cheese of Lambeau Field, Chief Executive Officer Lou Gentine graciously offered to ante up for Archbishop Listecki’s wager.

The loser will be expected to “pay-up” shortly after the NFC Division Championship Packers/Bears Game on Sunday, January 23, 2011.

Archbishop Listecki, a Chicago native and life-long Bears’ fan, stated, “I’m looking forward to munching on my pizza.”

Archbishop Listecki first moved to Wisconsin when he was named bishop of La Crosse in 2005. He was most recently installed as the 11th archbishop of Milwaukee on January 4, 2010.