In an eagerly anticipated encounter, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson is poised to sit down with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday. This marks a significant moment as the first meeting between a Chicago mayor and the first pope hailing from the Windy City.
The historic meeting will take place at the esteemed Vatican Apostolic Library, where Mayor Johnson plans to engage in a private discussion with Pope Leo XIV. This visit is the first of its kind since former Mayor Rahm Emanuel met with Pope Francis back in 2016.
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Mayor Johnson intends to address a variety of pressing topics during his meeting with the pope. Among the key issues on his agenda are discussions surrounding advocacy efforts that have been pivotal to both the city and the broader global community.
As a gesture of goodwill, Johnson and his delegation are bringing a selection of gifts that reflect Chicago’s spirit and culture. These include the local delicacy giardiniera and Chicago Cubs merchandise, which are sure to resonate with the Chicago-born pontiff.
Additionally, Mayor Johnson expressed his intention to express gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his outspoken advocacy on several significant global issues. This includes the pope’s opposition to the U.S. war in Iran and his critical stance on former President Trump’s immigration policies, as well as actions taken during Operation Midway Blitz.
Johnson said he plans to thank the Catholic leader for his advocacy, including pushing back against the U.S. war in Iran and President Trump’s immigration policies and actions carried out during Operation Midway Blitz.
“I am going to thank him for his courage and his strength particularly his moral stance around these endless wars, his stances around protecting workers, his clarity around the dreadful and the most barbaric form of slavery and offering up that apology and recognition and the role that slavery has played in the harm that has been caused for generations,” Johnson said.
The trip is funded and led by World Business Chicago, an economic development agency in the city.
Besides meeting with Pope Leo, Johnson plans on touring Rome to discuss sustainability, economic development, affordability, and public transit.
Johnson plans to also spend the day with the Roman mayor, and extending an invite to come visit Chicago.
Mayor Johnson will return to Chicago on Saturday.
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