Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV met with labor leaders from Chicago on Thursday, encouraging them to advance the respect for human dignity, support vulnerable populations, and continue their commitment to social justice. The audience, held at the Vatican, coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope and brought together leaders representing thousands of workers engaged in diverse sectors.
In his address, the Pope highlighted the pivotal role of labor unions in promoting skills development and fostering the common good. He praised Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, for informing him of the significant contributions of Chicago’s labor organizations toward supporting seminarians, aided by collaboration with civil authorities and business leaders.
Pope Leo singled out the city’s labor leaders for their efforts to broaden participation and inclusion of minorities within the labor movement through apprenticeships, training programs, and education initiatives. “Your commitment to fostering equality and opportunity within the workforce strengthens not only the individuals you serve but society as a whole,” the Pope noted.
He also commended their proactive engagement in environmental stewardship, particularly through training programs that support renewable energy development. “This work is not only commendable but timely,” Pope Leo observed, “as it responds to the urgent call to care for our common home.”
The Holy Father emphasized the unions’ compassionate work in welcoming immigrants and refugees, including support for shelters, food pantries, and essential community services. “While recognizing that appropriate policies are necessary to keep communities safe,” he said, “I encourage you to continue to advocate for the human dignity of the most vulnerable.” He underscored that these actions embody Pope Francis’ call for labor unions to continually “be re-born at the peripheries,” meeting the needs of those most in need.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV prayed that the Chicago labor leaders’ pilgrimage to Rome would enrich their minds and hearts, strengthening their capacity to reflect on the rights and obligations of workers. The Pope expressed hope that their work would continue to inspire ethical, inclusive, and compassionate practices within the labor movement, ensuring that human dignity remains at the center of all labor initiatives.