Pope Leo XIV Meets Chicago Catholic Delegation Defending Immigrant and Religious Rights
Photo provided by CSPL Nuestra America Magazine News Desk V ATICAN CITY, October 29, 2026. — Pope Leo XIV welcomed a delegation of Catholic religious and community leaders from the Chicago area on Wednesday, October 28, in a meeting focused on immigrant rights, human dignity, religious freedom, and pastoral care for people detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The delegation represented the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, known as CSPL, a faith-based organization bringing together more than 65 parishes, universities, religious orders, and community groups. Accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop José María García Maldonado of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the delegation traveled to Rome to share the experiences of immigrant families affected by detention and to thank the pontiff for his public support of pastoral ministry. During the encounter, delegates Abigail Ortiz Valles and Tiffany Swann-Covington spoke directly with Pope Leo, presenting a handmade book cont...