Brandon Johnson is set to travel to Rome this week for a highly anticipated meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City, where the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of major global and humanitarian issues.
The Chicago mayor confirmed that the meeting will focus on shared concerns surrounding affordability, human rights, immigration, and the treatment of vulnerable communities around the world. Johnson has repeatedly emphasized that many of the challenges facing cities today extend far beyond local politics, framing the conversation with the pope as an opportunity to explore broader solutions rooted in compassion and collective responsibility.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Johnson pointed to rising economic pressures, ongoing international conflicts, and social inequality as areas where civic and religious leadership could work together more closely. He stressed that protecting “our collective humanity” remains central to both his administration’s goals and the pope’s global message.
The mayor also plans to raise issues such as voting rights, workers’ rights, and immigration protections during the Vatican discussions. In addition, international tensions including concerns surrounding conflict involving Iran—are expected to be part of the conversation as world leaders continue searching for diplomatic stability.
Johnson described the upcoming meeting as more than a ceremonial visit, saying he hopes to highlight how cities like Chicago are addressing serious social challenges while encouraging greater global awareness of communities facing hardship. He noted that Pope Leo XIV’s international platform could help bring attention to regions and populations whose struggles are often overlooked.
Adding a lighter moment to the visit, Johnson revealed that he intends to present the pope with a Chicago Cubs hat despite the pope’s known support for the Chicago White Sox. The mayor joked that the struggling Cubs could use a blessing as well, especially after their recent losing streak left them near the bottom of the division standings.
Johnson is expected to remain in Rome through Saturday, with the trip being funded by World Business Chicago. The visit has already drawn significant attention in both political and religious circles, as it brings together one of America’s most progressive city leaders with the newly influential pope at a time of growing global uncertainty.
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