Mayor Brandon Johnson visited a South Side restaurant on Sunday before his journey to the Vatican. He aimed to rally supporters by sharing plans to discuss foreign relations, affordability, and Chicago sports with Pope Leo XIV. Highlighting a light-hearted moment, Johnson promised to gift a Cubs hat to the Chicago-born Pope, known as a devoted White Sox fan. With humor, the Mayor addressed the Sox fans, “Just relax. We know what team he roots for.”
When questioned by a reporter about his interest in converting the Pope into a Cubs fan, Johnson steered the conversation toward the Chicago Bears. “I do know one thing that we’re all on the same page about, is that the pope believes, like I believe, that the Bears belong in Chicago,” he stated. This comment related to the ongoing negotiations in Springfield over a bill that might lead the NFL team to construct a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Johnson is opposed, instead supporting a 2024 plan for a new stadium in the city, possibly a publicly funded, domed venue near Soldier Field.
Johnson’s trip to Rome, alongside World Business Chicago representatives, marks the first papal meeting with a Chicago mayor in ten years. During his Sunday meal at a well-loved South Side soul food spot, Johnson revealed plans to discuss topics such as “endless illegal wars” and the impact of his executive orders during Donald Trump’s second term. Yet, Johnson held back on whether he would talk about Trump during his Vatican meeting, despite Trump’s social media critiques of both Johnson and the Pope.
Honoring Jacqueline Jackson, widow of his mentor Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Johnson spoke of his trip goals. “I’m going to do my best to channel the great humanitarian and civil rights leader in Rev. Jesse Jackson, and… how the pope has used his pulpit to really shine a light on the conditions that exist around the globe,” he remarked. “In this season, we’re going to need the pulpit and the pen to come together to deliver justice for all of humanity.” Johnson noted his opposition to federal immigration actions in Chicago has drawn praise from his progressive supporters, especially against the previous fall’s Operation Midway Blitz deportation efforts and Trump’s criticisms.
The detailed plan of the Rome delegation and trip expenses, covered by WBC, remain undisclosed. Several Chicago religious leaders from diverse faiths will join Johnson, including Bishop Horace E. Smith and Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann, who confirmed participation to the Tribune. Johnson’s business advisor, Charles Smith, is contemplating joining the trip but remains focused on Bears stadium talks before the legislative session in Springfield concludes.
On the same day, Johnson attended mass at St. Benedict the African in Englewood. Regularly drawing on religious themes in his public appearances, as the pastor’s son and a current Lawndale Christian Church member, Johnson expressed gratitude for Pope Leo’s Chicago roots: “We’re really grateful that Pope Leo has his roots right here in Chicago,” he said. “Chicago has been the epicenter for justice, and I’m going to make sure I use this opportunity to lift up, of course, the work that he’s doing exposing the catastrophes and the evils of the world, while also bringing hope to the world.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson shook hands with Calvin Brown during an event held before his anticipated meeting with Pope Leo XIV at Peach’s Restaurant on May 24, 2026, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)