Trending Now - Chicago Mayor Extends Invitation to Pope Leo XIV for Visit

WHO:

ABC News - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Chicago.

Block Club Chicago - Members of the Chicago delegation included Ald. Jason Ervin, Ald. Julia Ramirez, Ald. Lamont Robinson, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates, Rev. Tanya Lozano Washington, and civil rights attorney Antonio Romanucci.

WHAT:

ABC News - Mayor Johnson handed a letter to Pope Leo XIV during a private meeting at the Vatican, inviting him to conduct Mass in Grant Park in 2027.

Block Club Chicago - Johnson presented Pope Leo with a Key to the city of Chicago and a gift chest filled with Chicago-themed items.

Block Club Chicago - The gift chest included items such as a White Sox hat, a Cubs jersey, Chicago flag, and letters from parishioners.

WHERE:

ABC News - The meeting took place at the Vatican.

Block Club Chicago - The delegation toured Casale dei Cedrati, Via Aurelia Antica, 219, in Rome.

WHEN:

ABC News - The invitation for the pope to visit Chicago is for the year 2027.

Block Club Chicago - The meeting between Mayor Johnson and Pope Leo XIV occurred on May 28, 2026.

WHY:

ABC News - Mayor Johnson expressed the hope that Pope Leo would consider a repeat Papal visit nearly 50 years after Pope John Paul II’s visit to Chicago.

Block Club Chicago - Johnson aims to express gratitude and pride that Chicagoans have in Pope Leo, as well as discuss his stances against President Trump's immigration policies.

HOW:

ABC News - Johnson delivered the invitation and letter personally during a private meeting.

Block Club Chicago - The Chicago delegation included various representatives from political, business, religious, labor, and hospitality sectors.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 19:56 UTC)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the city and conduct Mass in Grant Park in 2027, during a private meeting at the Vatican. Accompanied by a delegation that included local leaders and representatives from various sectors, Johnson presented the Pope with a Key to the City and a gift chest filled with Chicago-themed items, such as a White Sox hat and a Cubs jersey. This visit aims to express gratitude for the Pope's connection to Chicago and to discuss his views on immigration policies under Trump.