Mayor Brandon Johnson Visits South Side Restaurant Before Vatican Trip
Mayor Brandon Johnson made a stop at a restaurant on the South Side of Chicago before traveling to the Vatican. He spoke to supporters there about his plans to discuss a range of topics with Pope Leo XIV, including foreign affairs, affordability, and beloved Chicago sports teams.
Johnson reiterated a prior promise to give the Chicago-born Pope, known as a White Sox fan, a Cubs hat. Addressing the crowd, Johnson joked, “Just relax. We know what team he roots for.” This drew a laugh from the audience situated in a Sox-supportive area.
Addressing Local Sports Concerns
When asked whether he intended to convert the Pope to a Cubs fan, Johnson shifted the conversation to the Chicago Bears. He expressed agreement with the Pope on the Bears remaining in Chicago. This referenced ongoing negotiations about legislation that may require the franchise to relocate to Arlington Heights. Johnson opposes this and prefers a city-based stadium proposal needing public funds near Soldier Field.
Upcoming Trip to Rome
Johnson is set to travel to Rome with a delegation from World Business Chicago (WBC). It marks the first papal hosting of a Chicago mayor in a decade. During a lunch at a local soul food restaurant, Johnson shared his intention to use the Vatican meeting to address joint opposition to “endless illegal wars” along with discussing executive orders from Donald Trump’s presidency.
The discussion plans do not definitively include Trump, though Johnson and the Pope have previously been criticized by Trump via social media.
Johnson also paid tribute to Jacqueline Jackson, widow of Jesse Jackson Sr., sharing his trip goals. Highlighting humanitarian efforts, he stated, “In this season, we’re going to need the pulpit and the pen to come together to deliver justice for all of humanity.”
Executive Orders and Delegation Details
Johnson’s executive orders have aimed to limit federal immigration actions in Chicago, drawing praise from supporters yet facing critiques as symbolic by opponents. His opposition to the Trump administration’s deportation campaign last fall has been notably firm.
The mayor’s team has yet to confirm the full delegation or trip costs, which WBC will handle. Expected attendees include religious leaders Bishop Horace E. Smith and Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann. Johnson’s business liaison, Charles Smith, may attend after dealing with Bears stadium negotiations.
Earlier on Sunday, Johnson participated in mass at St. Benedict the African in Englewood. Being the son of a pastor, religious themes frequently appear in Johnson’s public speeches. He is affiliated with Lawndale Christian Church.
“We’re really grateful that Pope Leo has his roots right here in Chicago,” said Johnson, emphasizing Chicago’s role in justice initiatives. Johnson expressed his aim to highlight the Pope’s work addressing global issues while inspiring hope.