Rome Meeting

Before he became the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson held the title of a pastor’s child. This was a description he embraced following his highly publicized encounter with Pope Leo XIV. Johnson emphasizes the connection between his spiritual background and progressive political stance. “Who would have thought that a middle school teacher, the son of a pastor, would be in the Vatican, talking to the pope who has his roots in the city of Chicago?” Johnson stated to reporters after leaving the Vatican. “Our conversation was centered around how his pulpit and my pen can come together to defend humanity.” Johnson is among several Chicagoans who want to draw parallels with Leo, who became a widely recognized and locally cherished native when he ascended as the 267th pope a year ago.

Political Role

Johnson’s close association with the Black church continues to be a significant aspect of his time in office and will likely shape his political strategy for possible reelection. It may be a potent connection with churchgoing Chicagoans, though aldermen who have obstructed his progressive initiatives may challenge his depiction of these policies as protecting humanity.

Religious Revival

With American religious affiliation on a decline, Johnson and others are advocating for a “revival” of faith in Chicago, with Leo perceived as a possible catalyst. Churches serve as vital tools for voter mobilization, especially in campaigns. “In the church, you start to see less membership, you start to see older membership, because the youth aren’t coming, but sometimes we need a push — a revival of sorts — to drive people back to Christ,” shared Alderman Jason Ervin. Ervin, part of the Chicago delegation in Rome, hopes that when Pope Leo visits Chicago, the city will experience a spiritual resurgence.

Johnson, echoing the idea of uniting faith and action, agreed with the notion that there is a growing renewed interest in religion. “As far as reaching young people and even church attendance, the real encouraging thing right now is what we’re experiencing with Pope Leo XIV. There are folks who are coming back into the faith,” Johnson said. He sees hope in religious communities’ quest for justice leading to a revival.

Church Roots and Political Career

Historically, Johnson’s family is deeply rooted in the Church of God in Christ, one of the largest Black Pentecostal denominations in the U.S., with his grandfather playing a pivotal role there. His parents later established their own congregation, which is now led by Johnson’s sister. While Johnson chose politics, his upbringing influences his rhetorical style, which can occasionally come across as sermon-like, drawing critique for seeming preachy during coalition-building times.

Detailing his challenges as the middle child among ten siblings in Elgin, Johnson references these experiences to illustrate his resilience in political debates. During his tenure, three consecutive city budgets passed, although he faced opposition conflict leading the council.

Political and Faith Dynamic

Johnson drew criticism during tense budget negotiations, yet his allies, particularly those with biblical grounding, believe his vision is moral. Alderman William Hall remarks, “He’s persecuted for righteousness’ sake, beyond politics, unapologetically living these tenets.” On the contrary, pastor-politician and potential 2027 mayoral candidate Willie Wilson disagrees, questioning Johnson’s decisions regarding migrant spending and loyalty to the Chicago Teachers Union.

Chicago has seen a political shift post-Daley’s departure, welcoming diverse leaders including Emanuel, Lightfoot, and Johnson. Facing reelection challenges, Johnson and Lightfoot prioritize church support, although Black church membership has declined by 19% since the century’s turn according to Gallup.

Changing Religious Landscape

Across races in America, religious participation shows decreases, with Gen Z considered the least religious generation, though argued to be spiritual despite skepticism toward institutions. Yet Hall, pastor at St. James Church, insists religion remains integral. “The church is still the number one organizing tool in city government,” Hall argues.

The Chicago area has shifted, showing a drop from 34% to 29% Catholics over a decade. However, Easter 2026 saw a notable increase in those joining the Catholic Church as reported by the Archdiocese. DePaul University’s professor William Cavanaugh believes younger Americans might seek religion for meaning amid global uncertainties, and Pope Leo’s stance against Trump administration policies could appeal to Gen Z liberals disillusioned by modern conservatism.

Engagement in Faith

At Lawndale Christian Community Church, Johnson introspectively observes sessions, sometimes engaging silently. The Rev. Jonathan Brooks describes members praying for Johnson’s well-being midst public scrutiny. Johnson maintains involvement in ministries like “Kingdom Men,” offering counsel within faith communities.

Brooks quotes a favored Bible verse of Johnson, Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God,” underscoring the importance of strengthening one’s faith. Brooks reiterates, “That’s why he needs to stay around this faith community.”