IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently participated in a labor delegation from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) on a trip to the Vatican. The group, which included CFL Executive Board members, faith leaders, a National AFL-CIO representative, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blase Cupich, met privately with Pope Leo XIV to discuss how the labor movement and the Catholic Church can work together to support workers.
The pilgrimage was organized by the CFL and Father Clete Kiley, who serves on the CFL Executive Board and is known for fostering connections between organized labor and the Catholic Church. Cardinal Cupich also supported the initiative.
“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 had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. “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,” said Cicinelli. “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 representatives attended panels at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development discussing topics such as changes in employment trends, migration issues from a global perspective, incorporating faith into organizing efforts, and ethical concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI). They also met with leaders from CGIL—Italy’s largest trade union—which represents roughly one-third of Italy’s population. Discussions focused on similarities between U.S. and Italian unions regarding challenges like declining union membership rates, rising right-wing political movements opposed to unions, integrating immigrants into workplaces, union organizing difficulties across borders, as well as technological impacts such as 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 spoke during an AI panel about how rapid advancements threaten jobs across several sectors including airlines, fast food services manufacturing plants retail operations semi-truck delivery rideshare driving positions among others: “AI is taking off so rapidly that hopefully we’re not going to have an ‘oh no’ moment soon,” he said. “It’s already displacing jobs in industries like the airlines, fast food factories retail There is even a pursuance of AI displacing semi delivery rideshare drivers I worry about my children future generations Hopefully we can figure out how use this technology way benefits everyone from top down.”
He also reflected on how religious communities might play larger roles supporting worker rights: “I was made aware how we could involve Church our struggles What if addition asking legislators intervene disputes clergy communities wrote letters companies urging them treat workers fairly That moral voice could make big difference.”
For Cicinelli personally participating left lasting impact: “I’ve always had drive for doing what I do help others but this just over-inflated enthusiasm drive,” he said “It was uplifting every sense We left wanting do more organize more help more people achieve greater goals.”
Members plan further collaboration based ideas exchanged Vatican possibly another papal meeting future: “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 US this just beginning.”
