IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently joined a group of labor leaders from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) for a significant visit to the Vatican. The delegation met privately with Pope Leo XIV, who is originally from the Chicago area, to discuss the common goals of the labor movement and the Catholic Church in supporting workers worldwide.
The group included members of the CFL Executive Board, faith leaders from Chicago, a representative from the National AFL-CIO, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blasé Cupich. The pilgrimage was organized by the CFL and Father Clete Kiley, a priest on the CFL Executive Board known for his work connecting organized labor and the Church. Cardinal Cupich also played a role in arranging the trip.
“It was a labor pilgrimage,” said Cicinelli. “The Chicago Federation of Labor, along with other labor affiliates, were invited because of our long-standing ties to the Church, to CFL Chaplain Father Kiley and to Cardinal Cupich, who was instrumental in Pope Leo’s election. Since Pope Leo is pro-labor and advocates to lift up the livelihoods of so many in need, we thought — why not go visit him along with the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, and Italy’s largest confederation of labor (CGIL) and start a dialogue about how we can work together.”
During their week-long stay, delegates attended a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. The Pope offered support for their efforts: “The Pope told us to continue doing what we are doing on behalf of people most in need, those needing a voice in the workplace and in their communities,” said Cicinelli. “He said that we are the advocates who help those get to where they need to be — and to continue doing God’s work. Everyone walked out of there spiritually energized and ready to get back into the field to continue on our missions. It was such a powerful message.”
Labor leaders also gathered at meetings hosted by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. They participated in panels discussing topics like The Future of Work, migration issues from a global perspective, integrating faith into organizing efforts, as well as ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. delegates met with CGIL leaders—representing 33 percent of Italy’s population—to exchange views on union history and structure, organizing challenges amid rising right-wing movements, declining union membership rates, immigration integration into workplaces, and technological change.
“Their struggles are reflective of our struggles,” Cicinelli explained. “They’re fighting against an anti-union right-wing government similar to what we are experiencing here, and they’re facing the same challenges with organizing and maintaining union density. It made each of us aware that even though we are thousands of miles apart, we all share the same struggles — representing our members and uplifting those in need.”
Cicinelli contributed to an AI-focused panel by addressing its effect on employment: “AI is taking off so rapidly that hopefully we’re not going to have an ‘oh no’ moment soon,” he said. “It’s already displacing jobs in industries like the airlines, fast food, factories, and retail. There is even a pursuance of AI displacing semi, delivery and rideshare drivers. I worry about my children and future generations. Hopefully we can figure out how to use this technology in a way that benefits everyone from the top down.”
Reflecting on how religious communities might support labor causes more directly going forward, Cicinelli noted: “I was made aware how we could involve the Church in our struggles,” he said. “What if, in addition to asking our legislators to intervene in labor disputes, the clergy in our communities also wrote letters to companies urging them to treat workers fairly? That moral voice could make a big difference.”
For Cicinelli personally, participating had lasting effects: “I’ve always had a drive for doing what I do to help others but this just over-inflated enthusiasm and drive,” he said. “It was uplifting in every sense. We left wanting to do more—to organize more—to help more people achieve greater goals.”
The Chicago group plans further collaboration based on discussions at the Vatican—and may consider another meeting with Pope Leo XIV if possible.
“We’re already talking about what’s next,” said Cicinelli. “Whether it’s going back to Italy in the immediate future or meeting the Pope again if he visits the U.S., this is just the beginning.”
