IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently traveled to the Vatican as part of a labor delegation organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL). The group, which included CFL Executive Board members, local faith leaders, a representative from the National AFL-CIO, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blase Cupich, met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss how the labor movement and the Catholic Church can work together to support workers worldwide.
Father Clete Kiley, who serves on the CFL Executive Board and is known for fostering relationships between organized labor and the Church, helped coordinate the trip. Cardinal Cupich also played a key role in both organizing the pilgrimage and in Pope Leo’s election.
“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, delegates held a private meeting 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 covered topics including The Future of Work, global migration issues, integrating faith into organizing efforts, and ethical considerations around artificial intelligence (AI). The delegation also met with leaders from CGIL—Italy’s largest union—which represents about 33 percent of Italy’s population. Both American and Italian union leaders shared concerns over declining union membership rates globally and challenges posed by technological change.
“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 in an AI-focused panel discussion highlighting risks associated with rapid automation across sectors such as airlines, fast food service, manufacturing plants, retail stores—and potential impacts on delivery drivers. He emphasized: “AI is taking off so rapidly that hopefully we’re not going to have an ‘oh no’ moment soon. 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 lessons learned regarding cooperation between faith groups and unions 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.”
Cicinelli described his experience as transformative: “I’ve always had a drive for doing what I do to help others, but this just over-inflated the enthusiasm and drive,” he said. “It was uplifting in every sense. We left wanting to do more, to organize more, to help more people achieve greater goals.”
The delegation plans future collaborations based on ideas discussed during their Vatican meetings.
“We’re already talking about what’s next,” said Cicinelli. “Whether it’s going back to Italy in the immediate future or meeting the Pope again if he visits the U.S., this is just the beginning.”
