Chicago mayor invites Pope Leo to Chicago after talks on social justice

Pope Leo XIV and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discussed global conflicts, immigration,  and the legacy of slavery in a private meeting at the Vatican May 28, the latter told reporters.

Johnson and the Chicago-born Pontiff met alone before joining a larger delegation of civic, business, educational, and religious leaders from the city.

According to a report from Chicago Sun Times, the two discussed the city’s progress, their hometown connection, and Chicago sports rivalries. Johnson, a Cubs fan, said he presented the Pope, a White Sox fan, with a Cubs hat.

Johnson said he was struck by the Pope’s warmth and humility during the meeting.

“When you come into the presence of someone of his magnitude, who walks and imbibes the spirit of our Lord and Savior, the moment that he said, ‘Have a seat and join me’ — it was just a peaceful exchange of comfort,” he said. 

Johnson said the discussion also focused on issues affecting vulnerable communities, including immigration enforcement, affordability, and global conflicts. He thanked the Pope for his moral leadership on wars in places including Gaza and said they discussed humanitarian concerns in Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba.

“First of all, I thanked him for his courage,” Johnson said. “I thanked him for his moral stance against these endless wars, and certainly talked about the vote that I took in City Council a couple of years ago, calling for a ceasefire [in Gaza] and the releasing of hostages and our continuous stance on ending these illegal wars.” 

The mayor said he also spoke with the Pope about the lasting effects of slavery and disinvestment on black communities, as well as efforts to address those harms. 

“We exchanged appreciation for our stances in this moment, to speak to the most vulnerable, to talk to him about affordability … and again, continuing to use his pulpit as I will use my pen, to bring justice to … humanity,” he said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Immigration was another topic of discussion. Johnson said they spoke about the effects of immigration enforcement operations in Chicago during the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement last year. 

“He wanted to know how ICE … impacted our city, and whether or not there were still examples of ICE raids happening in our city,” Johnson said. 

The two men also discussed broader themes of social justice, civility, and support for vulnerable populations, according to Johnson.

During the visit, Johnson delivered a formal letter inviting Pope Leo to visit Chicago in 2027 and celebrate Mass in Grant Park, echoing St. John Paul II’s visit to the city in 1979. 

The delegation also presented the Pope with Chicago-themed gifts, including a ceremonial key to the city. Johnson also signaled strong support for formally honoring the Pope with a new named street, landmark, or monument in Chicago. Several members of the group joined in prayer with the Pontiff before the meeting concluded.