IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently participated in a labor pilgrimage to the Vatican, joining a delegation from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) and other faith and labor leaders. The group met privately with Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, to discuss how the labor movement and the Catholic Church can work together to support workers globally.
The delegation 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 pilgrimage was organized by the CFL and Father Clete Kiley, who serves on the CFL Executive Board and is known for strengthening ties between organized labor and the Catholic Church. Cardinal Cupich also supported this effort as an advocate for workers’ rights.
“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 visit, participants had a private audience 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 leaders also gathered at meetings hosted by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development where panels addressed topics such as future trends in employment, migration issues from a global perspective, integrating faith into organizing efforts, and ethical concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. delegates met with representatives from CGIL—Italy’s largest union federation—discussing similarities between American and Italian unions regarding history, structure, challenges around organizing workers amid declining union density, right-wing political movements affecting labor rights, 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 in discussions about artificial intelligence’s impact on jobs. He highlighted concerns over rapid automation across sectors such as airlines, fast food service industries, manufacturing plants,and retail businesses leading already toward job losses; he emphasized that protections must be built into contracts so AI does not displace large numbers of workers.
“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,d eliveryand rideshare drivers.I worry about my childrenand future generations.Hopefullywe can figure out howto use this technologyin awaythat benefits everyonefromthe top down.”
Reflecting on his experience,Cicinelli noted new perspectives gained regarding potential partnerships between faith-based organizationsand unions.“I was made aware howwe could involve the Churchinour struggles,”he said.“What if,in additionto askingour legislatorsto interveneinlabor disputes,the clergyinour communitiesalso wrote lettersto companiesurging themto treat workersfairly?That moral voicecould makea big difference.”
For Cicinelli,the journeywas personally significant.“I’ve always hada drivefor doingwhat I doto help others,but this just over-inflatedthe enthusiasmand drive,”he said.“Itwas upliftinginevery sense.We left wantingto do more,to organize more,to help more peopleachieve greater goals.”
Accordingtothe press release,the Ch icago group planstocontinue workingtogetheron local projectsthat reflectthe ideasdiscussedat th e Vatican,and mayreturn fora futuremeetingwithPopeLeoXIV.“We’realready talkingabout what’s next,”saidCicinelli.“Whetherit’s goingbacktoItalyinthe immediatefutureormeetingthe Popeagainifhe visits th e U.S.,thisisjustthe beginning.”
