Caption: President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney and his wife Marilyn Sweeney present a Local 150 Gold Card to Pope Leo XIV while visiting the Vatican with a delegation of labor leaders from Chicago. ©Vatican Media.
Brothers and Sisters,
In October 2025, I had an experience I’ll never forget. A delegation of labor leaders from Chicago, organized by the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich and Father Clete Kiley a Priest who serves as the Chaplain of the Chicago Federation of Labor, traveled to Rome to meet with Pope Leo XIV to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing working people — not just in our cities and state, but across the country, and the world.
Pope Leo XIV, who is from Chicago, chose his papal name in part to honor Pope Leo XIII for his lifelong commitment to social issues and workers’ rights. His Chicago roots and focus on labor made the trip especially meaningful, offering a unique opportunity to discuss the future of work with a leader who deeply understands the importance of protecting and advocating for workers.
During our visit, I had the incredible honor of meeting the Pope in person. When I shook his hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on our shared roots. Pope Leo may lead the Catholic Church today, but he’s also a South Sider — one of our own — someone who understands the grit, pride, and work ethic that define Chicago and the Midwest.
As a token of appreciation, I presented him with a gift that every Local 150 member knows the true value and weight of: he is now an Honorary Gold Card–carrying Member of Local 150. We created a special gold card for Pope Leo XIV with a unique member number commemorating the date when Paul Konerko hit his iconic grand slam — a White Sox game he attended as the team made its way to winning the 2005 World Series. When I explained the significance of the gold card — the years of dedication, pride, and brotherhood behind it — he smiled and shared something that truly struck me: when he was just 18 years old and in college, he operated forklifts.
In that moment, it was clear that no matter how far we go in life, the spirit of hard work never leaves us. From the South Side of Chicago to the heart of Rome, the values of Local 150 — pride, skill, and solidarity — are universal.
In reflecting on this experience and the work ahead, one thing is clear: the values that guide Local 150 — pride, skill, solidarity, and dedication — are as relevant today as ever. From meeting Pope Leo XIV in Rome to advocating for fair labor practices on data center and pipeline projects, our union continues to fight for the rights, safety, and livelihoods of working men and women.
To view the official Vatican “GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV TO LABOR LEADERS FROM CHICAGO” please click on this link.