Letters to Leo is an interfaith, intergenerational effort by Chicagoans who refuse to stay silent as immigrant families in our city face violence, raids, and inhumane treatment at the Broadview detention center. In recent months, federal judges, faith leaders, and community members have raised alarm over conditions so severe that a court was forced to intervene—and over militarized raids that have shattered neighborhoods. Because Pope Leo is himself from the Chicagoland area, we are calling on him to bear witness to what is happening in his hometown and to intervene with the moral clarity only he can bring. We invite Chicagoans of all ages and all faith traditions to write letters or create artwork for Pope Leo, sharing your concerns and documenting how these actions are harming our communities.
A sample letter
Reflection prompts to write your own letters
Toolkits for parishes
Toolkits for classrooms, both parochial and public
Please send your letters and artwork to:
Secretariat of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
00120 Vatican City
Ready to Mail Letter (PDF) - Just add your signature + how you wish to be identified (Catholic layperson, faith leader, Chicago resident, asylum seeker, immigrant advocate). Instructions to mail the letter are in the PDF.
Reflection prompts to write your own letter (English) (Spanish)
Engage students of all ages in the Letters to Leo campaign with lesson ideas, discussion guides, letter and art templates, and classroom activities. From elementary school through high school, this toolkit helps educators explore justice, human dignity, and civic engagement while guiding students to share their voices with Pope Leo. Learn more and access the full toolkit here: View the Teachers’ Toolkit.
Explore our Parish Toolkit for talking points, bulletin copy, and activities to help your parish participate in Letters to Leo: View the Parish Toolkit.