IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently 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 visit, described as a “labor pilgrimage,” aimed to discuss common goals between the labor movement and the Catholic Church regarding support for working people.
The group 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 trip was organized by the CFL and Father Clete Kiley, who serves on its executive board and is known for fostering connections between organized labor and the Church. Cardinal Cupich also played a key role in organizing the event.
“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 met privately 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.”
Labor panels at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development addressed topics including future trends in employment, migration issues worldwide, integrating faith into organizing efforts, as well as ethical considerations related to artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. union representatives met with CGIL leaders—whose organization represents about one-third of Italy’s population—to compare union histories and structures while discussing shared challenges such as declining union density, right-wing political opposition, immigration integration into workplaces, and technological changes like AI.
“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 specifically on an AI panel where he emphasized concerns over rapid technological advancement displacing jobs across sectors such as airlines, fast food services, manufacturing plants, retail stores—and potentially affecting drivers in various transportation industries.
“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 his experience at the Vatican meetings—which highlighted how faith-based organizations might support workers—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.”
He added: “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 intends ongoing collaboration by developing local projects inspired by discussions held at Vatican City,and may consider further engagement either through another trip or during any potential papal visit stateside.“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 just beginning.”
