<p>The same week I met <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv/2026/05/28/mayor-brandon-johnson-pope-leo-vatican-visit-meeting" target="_blank" >Pope Leo XIV</a>, I watched my eldest son graduate.</p><p>Like any parent, I felt immense pride seeing him step into adulthood. But I also found myself thinking about the wounded country and world he and his peers are inheriting.</p><p>Here in America, families are struggling with rising costs. Our immigrant neighbors, co-workers, classmates and friends are living with fear and uncertainty.