Mayor Johnson Rallies Support Before Vatican Visit
South Side Restaurant Stop With Supporters
Mayor Brandon Johnson visited a popular South Side restaurant before his trip to the Vatican. During the visit, he engaged with supporters about his plans to discuss foreign affairs, affordability, and Chicago sports with Pope Leo XIV.
The mayor plans to present the Pope, renowned for being a White Sox fan, with a Cubs hat.
Johnson jested with the crowd, telling them to “just relax” regarding the Pope’s sports preferences.
Chicago Bears Stadium Controversy
In response to a reporter asking if he’d try converting the Pope to a Cubs fan, Johnson shifted focus to the Chicago Bears stadium issue. He emphasized shared beliefs with the Pope that the Bears should remain in Chicago.
Currently, there’s a looming decision on whether to compel the Bears to construct a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Johnson opposes this and prefers building within Chicago, specifically the long-delayed 2024 plan for a domed stadium near Soldier Field, requiring public financing.
Planned Agenda for Vatican Meeting
Johnson plans to discuss shared opposition to illegal wars and his executive orders during President Trump’s second term. However, he hasn’t disclosed any discussion of Trump himself during his Vatican visit.
Within the mood of international diplomacy, he acknowledged Jacqueline Jackson, widow of his mentor Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Johnson aims to channel the humanitarian ethos of Rev. Jackson and leverage the Pope’s global influence.
In Johnson’s words: “We need the pulpit and the pen to deliver justice for humanity.”
Executive Orders and Progressive Stance
Recently, Johnson signed executive orders aimed at limiting federal immigration actions. While critics view some orders as symbolic, his progressive supporters applaud his opposition to Operation Midway Blitz and other Trump administration initiatives.
Delegation to Rome
Johnson travels to Rome with World Business Chicago (WBC), marking the first Chicago mayor visit to the Vatican in ten years. The delegation, not finalized yet, will include religious leaders such as Bishop Horace E. Smith and Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann.
Charles Smith, Johnson’s business liaison, may join pending Bears stadium negotiations.
Religious Roots and Leadership
Earlier, Johnson attended mass at Englewood’s St. Benedict the African. As a pastor’s son, he frequently uses religious imagery in campaigns and speeches, aligning himself with Lawndale Christian Church.
He emphasized Pope Leo’s Chicago heritage, calling the city an “epicenter for justice” and pledging to highlight the Pope’s global efforts during their meeting.
Johnson’s gesture of appreciation for the Pope’s Chicago roots reflects local pride.
