IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli participated in a labor delegation from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) that traveled to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The group, which included members of the CFL Executive Board, faith leaders from Chicago, a National AFL-CIO representative, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blasé Cupich, aimed to discuss the common goals shared by the labor movement and the Catholic Church.
The pilgrimage was organized by the CFL and Father Clete Kiley, who serves on its Executive Board and works to strengthen ties between organized labor and the Church. Cardinal Cupich also supported the effort.
“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 trip, delegates had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. “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 attended panels at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development discussing topics including changes in work environments due to technology like artificial intelligence (AI), migration issues affecting workers globally, ways faith can intersect with organizing efforts, as well as ethical concerns related to AI adoption.
Cicinelli noted similarities between challenges faced by U.S. unions and those experienced by Italian counterparts such as CGIL—Italy’s largest union federation—which represents about one-third of Italy’s population. Both groups face declining union membership rates amid rising right-wing political movements and difficulties 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.”
On an AI-focused panel discussion during their visit, Cicinelli highlighted risks posed by automation across various industries—including airlines, fast food outlets, factories, retail stores—and expressed concern over future impacts on jobs such as delivery or rideshare driving roles.
“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 new ways faith-based organizations could support workers’ rights efforts: “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 personally motivating: “I’ve always had a drive for doing what I do to help others but this just over-inflated enthusiasm… We left wanting do more—to organize more—to help more people achieve greater goals.”
Accordingly—the Chicago delegation plans further collaboration locally based on ideas discussed at Vatican meetings—with possibilities for future visits or continued engagement with Pope Leo XIV.
“We’re already talking about what’s next,” said Cicinelli. “Whether it’s going back Italy immediate future or meeting Pope again if he visits U.S., this is just beginning.”
