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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City

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Mayor Brandon Johnson Meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson arrived at St. Peter's Square on May 28, 2026, for a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States.

"Everything dope including the pope comes from Chicago."

The meeting took place in the Vatican Apostolic Library, followed by the pope hosting the entire delegation. Johnson was accompanied by 46 Chicagoans from political, business, religious, labor, and hospitality sectors.

A Vatican Audience with a Chicago Flavor

Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first American-born pontiff, received a remarkable collection of gifts that reflected the spirit and diversity of Chicago.

Mayor Johnson presented the pope with:

  • A key to the city of Chicago and an invitation to deliver Mass in Grant Park
  • White Sox hat embroidered with the Italian flag, accompanied by J.P. Graziano giardiniera
  • "Immigrants Make America Greater" hat
  • Diplomas of the pope's parents from DePaul University
  • Cubs jersey and hats
  • Chicago flag, tote bag, and street sign
  • Honey harvested from the Chicago Cultural Center roof
  • Brass tray with lakefront etchings and Chicago flag field notes
  • T-shirts reading "Everything dope including the pope comes from Chicago"
  • Books and a stained glass poster from M.A.A.F.A Redemption Project Church
  • Letters from parishioners at St. Benedict the African in Englewood
  • Frango Mints from Catholic Charities
  • Hat and jersey from the Chicago Sky
  • Hat from DePaul University
  • Letters from families of detained immigrants
  • Hat from Loyola University
  • "Blood Works" by Bishop Horace Smith
  • Southwest community ICE watch pin
  • Sanctuary city pin
  • "Resisting tyrants since pharaoh" White Sox kippah and T-shirt from Mishkan Chicago
  • Silver dove necklace and an Image of the Eucharist procession in Broadview
  • "I am somebody" sweatshirt and "Keep Hope Alive" apparel from Rainbow Push
  • Union strike pin, books, and a letter from St. Mary's College
  • "God Bless the Westside" T-shirt from Ald. Jason Ervin
  • Books: "Operation Breadbasket" and "Keeping Hope Alive"

Topics on the Table

Planned discussion topics reflected the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice:

  • Chicagoans' pride in the first American-born pope
  • Pope Leo's stances against President Donald Trump's immigration policies
  • Regulation of artificial intelligence
  • The pope's apology for the Catholic Church's role in slavery

The Delegation

The delegation included a cross-section of Chicago leadership:

  • Aldermen: Julia Ramirez, Lamont Robinson, and Jason Ervin (with his wife)
  • City Treasurer: Melissa Conyears-Ervin
  • Chicago Teachers Union President: Stacy Davis Gates
  • Reverend: Tanya Lozano Washington
  • Yusef Jackson
  • Civil rights attorney: Antonio Romanucci
  • And others from across the city's political, business, religious, labor, and hospitality sectors