IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined a group of labor leaders from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) for a recent visit to the Vatican. The delegation met privately with Pope Leo XIV, who is originally from the Chicago area, to discuss the role of both the labor movement and the Catholic Church in supporting workers globally.
The group included members of the CFL Executive Board, local faith leaders, a representative from the National AFL-CIO, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blase Cupich. The pilgrimage was organized by the CFL in partnership with Father Clete Kiley, a priest on the CFL Executive Board known for promoting ties between organized labor and the Church. Cardinal Cupich also played a significant role in arranging the meeting.
“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, participants attended a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. According to Cicinelli: “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. 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.”
The delegation also met at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development for panels covering topics such as The Future of Work, global migration trends affecting workers, integrating faith into organizing efforts, and ethical concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI). Labor representatives engaged with CGIL leadership—Italy’s largest union federation—and compared experiences around union structure and challenges like declining union density or integrating immigrants into workplaces.
“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 insights during an AI-focused panel discussion. He highlighted risks posed by automation: “AI is taking off so rapidly that hopefully we’re not going to have an ‘oh no’ moment soon,” said Cicinelli. “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 ways faith communities could support labor advocacy efforts more directly beyond legislative engagement alone, 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: “I’ve always had a drive for doing what I do to help others, but this just over-inflated the 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.”
Looking ahead after returning home from Rome discussions remain underway among delegates regarding potential new local projects inspired by conversations at Vatican meetings—with prospects open for another meeting with Pope Leo XIV either abroad or should he visit Chicago.
“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.”
