Mayor Johnson’s Upcoming Vatican Visit

Mayor Brandon Johnson stopped by a South Side restaurant on Sunday before embarking on his visit to the Vatican. He addressed supporters about his plans to discuss foreign affairs, economic affordability, and Chicago sports with Pope Leo XIV. Johnson reiterated his pledge to present a Cubs hat to the Chicago-born Pope, known for being a passionate White Sox fan. With a laugh, Johnson assured the Sox-supporting crowd, “Just relax. We know what team he roots for.”

A reporter asked Johnson if he would try to convert the Pope into a Cubs fan. Instead, Johnson shifted the conversation to the Chicago Bears. “I do know one thing that we’re all on the same page about, is that the Pope believes, like I believe, that the Bears belong in Chicago,” he said. This referred to ongoing negotiations in Springfield about a bill pushing the Bears to move to Arlington Heights. Johnson opposes this move, advocating for a new stadium in the city, specifically the 2024 plan for a domed stadium near Soldier Field requiring public funding.

Johnson plans to visit Rome with a delegation from World Business Chicago (WBC). This marks the first time in ten years a Chicago mayor has been hosted by the Pope. During his visit, Johnson aims to discuss their mutual criticism of “endless illegal wars” and his executive orders during President Donald Trump’s second term. He did not specify if he would directly mention Trump, who has criticized both him and the Pope on social media.

During his restaurant visit, Johnson acknowledged Jacqueline Jackson, widow of his mentor Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. He shared his objectives for the trip, emphasizing his intent to channel the humanitarian spirit of Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Pope’s global advocacy. “In this season, we’re going to need the pulpit and the pen to come together to deliver justice for all of humanity,” Johnson stated.

Johnson issued executive orders limiting federal immigration actions in Chicago. Some critics have dismissed these actions as symbolic, but his progressive supporters praised his opposition to past federal deportation efforts. The cost of the trip to Rome will be covered by WBC, though details about the delegation and expenses have not been released. Religious leaders such as Bishop Horace E. Smith and Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann confirmed their participation. Charles Smith, Johnson’s top business liaison, may join the trip but wants to focus on the Bears stadium negotiations first.

Earlier, Johnson attended mass at St. Benedict the African in Englewood. As a pastor’s son and member of Lawndale Christian Church, Johnson frequently uses religious language in his public engagements. “We’re really grateful that Pope Leo has his roots right here in Chicago,” Johnson expressed. “Chicago has been the epicenter for justice, and I’m going to make sure I use this opportunity to lift up, of course, the work that he’s doing exposing the catastrophes and the evils of the world, while also bringing hope to the world.”