IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli recently participated in a labor delegation to the Vatican, where he and other leaders from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) met privately with Pope Leo XIV. The purpose of the visit was to discuss common goals between the labor movement and the Catholic Church in supporting working people globally.
The group included members of the CFL Executive Board, faith leaders from Chicago, a National AFL-CIO representative, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Cardinal Blasé Cupich. The pilgrimage was organized by the CFL along with Father Clete Kiley, who is both a priest and member of the CFL Executive Board. Cardinal Cupich also played a key role in organizing the trip.
“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, participants had an 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 panels at the Dicastery for Integral Human Development covered topics including changes in work environments due to technology advances like artificial intelligence (AI), migration issues from an international perspective, incorporating faith into union organizing efforts, as well as ethical considerations related to AI adoption. The American delegates met with representatives from CGIL—the largest Italian trade union federation—which represents about one-third of Italy’s population.
Cicinelli noted similarities between challenges faced by U.S. unions and their Italian counterparts such as declining union membership rates, political opposition from right-wing governments, difficulties integrating immigrants into workplaces, organizing new workers amid shifting economies—and concerns over automation through technologies 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.”
As part of an AI-focused panel discussion during their meetings at Vatican offices with Italian union leaders present—Cicinelli highlighted risks posed by rapid adoption: “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 airlines, fast food factories; 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 use this technology [so it] benefits everyone from top down.”
Reflecting on faith-based support for worker advocacy after meeting clergy at these events—Cicinelli remarked: “I was made aware how we could involve church [in] our struggles… What if—in addition asking legislators intervene disputes—the clergy wrote letters companies urging them treat workers fairly? That moral voice could make big difference.”
For Cicinelli personally—the experience reinforced his commitment: “I’ve always had drive for doing what I do help others—but this just over-inflated enthusiasm drive… It was uplifting every sense… We left wanting do more organize more help more people achieve greater goals.”
Accordingly—the Chicago delegation intends follow-up locally implementing ideas discussed at Vatican—and may plan another trip or seek further engagement should Pope Leo XIV visit United States again: “We’re already talking about what’s next,” said Cicinelli. “Whether it’s going back Italy immediate future meeting Pope again if he visits U.S., this just beginning.”
