IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined a group of labor leaders from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) on a visit to the Vatican, where they held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The purpose of the trip was to discuss how the labor movement and the Catholic Church can work together to support workers worldwide.
The delegation 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, who is known for his efforts to strengthen connections between organized labor and the Church. Cardinal Cupich also supported the initiative.
“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 in Rome, delegates 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 participated in meetings at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, where they discussed topics including changes in work due to technology, migration issues affecting workers globally, how faith intersects with organizing efforts, and ethical concerns around artificial intelligence. They met with representatives from CGIL—Italy’s largest union confederation—which represents about one-third of Italy’s population.
Labor leaders from both countries shared their experiences regarding challenges such as anti-union government policies, declining union membership rates, difficulties integrating immigrants into workplaces, and adapting to new technologies like artificial intelligence.
“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 participated in a panel focused on artificial intelligence’s effect on employment. He emphasized that protections must be built into labor agreements so that automation does not displace large numbers of workers.
“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.”
Cicinelli also reflected on ways faith-based communities could further support worker advocacy: “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.”
He described his experience as transformative: “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; organize more; help more people achieve greater goals.”
Looking ahead, members of Chicago’s delegation plan continued collaboration based on ideas discussed during their Vatican visit.
“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.”
