World Church · October 31, 2026
Pope Leone XIV Meets Migrant Activists from Chicago
Pope Leone XIV met with members of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership during a general audience in Saint Peters Square on October 28, 2026.
Approximately thirty members of the group, including priests, deacons, students, and Catholic leaders, traveled from Chicago to Rome for the meeting. The group presented the Pope with a gift consisting of an album of photographs documenting their initiatives and celebrations, as well as letters from migrants. These letters described life experiences marked by difficulties and the hope for a better future.
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership operates as a force for justice, providing daily support, prayer, and pastoral assistance to hundreds of migrants from Central and South America living in city suburbs. A primary focus of their mission involves visiting detainees at the Broadview detention center, which is managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Since May 2026, the organization has conducted more than 135 visits to 725 detained immigrants. The group advocates for the rights of community members who are separated from their families and lives. They obtained temporary authorization to enter the federal facility, located fifteen kilometers from the center of Chicago, following initial delays and blocks to their access.
During the encounter, the group wore yellow shirts featuring the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and held a banner stating that the church needs a holy rebellion. Participants thanked the Pope for his guidance and for emphasizing the importance of pastoral care for detainees.