Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has initiated efforts to engage Pope Leo XIV in his reparations campaign in the city. During a visit to the Vatican, Johnson met with the pope alongside a delegation that included George Floyd’s family lawyer, Antonio Romanucci.
Johnson presented Pope Leo XIV with Chicago-themed gifts, including a Chicago Cubs cap and the key to the city where the pope was born and raised. These gestures marked the beginning of Johnson’s initiative, Repair Chicago, aiming to collect testimonies of the harm endured by Black Chicagoans and to provide reparations.
Earlier in 2024, Johnson signed an executive order to establish a 40-member task force focused on addressing historical harms faced by Black residents. Before departing for Rome, Johnson confirmed his intention to seek Pope Leo XIV’s support in advocating for reparations.
Pope Leo XIV recently issued an apology through his first papal encyclical, acknowledging the Vatican’s historical role in legitimizing slavery, describing it as a ‘wound in Christian memory.’ Johnson plans to express gratitude to the pope for acknowledging the global impact of slavery, including in Chicago.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, Johnson highlighted the significant role of Black labor in shaping the nation, emphasizing the need for reparations to address the lingering effects of slavery.
Johnson’s office announced that the Repair Chicago initiative will involve bus tours, panel discussions, town halls, and hearings to gather input for the reparations study. This effort builds upon previous actions, such as appointing Carla Kupe as the leader of the reparations task force with $500,000 in funding.
Illinois released a report addressing historical harms against Black residents, while the nearby suburb of Evanston implemented a program offering $25,000 payments to cover housing expenses for Black residents and their descendants.
Mayor Johnson’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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