Chicago is so over Christopher Columbus that the city is finally replacing the statues with St. Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants. There were two statues of Columbus in Arrigo and Grant parks that were removed in July 2020 after mounting pressure from activists. The two platforms have stayed empty over the years, but we now know that one platform will be used to honor the first American saint. Here’s what we know about St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, the new statue coming to Arrigo Park in Chicago.
Christopher Columbus does not have a home in Chicago
Chicago is replacing a statue of Christopher Columbus with Mother Cabrini. Columbus raped, enslaved, & murdered people. Mother Cabrini helped people. As the grandson of an Italian immigrant & history teacher I am so glad Columbus is not being celebrated. #byecolumbuspic.twitter.com/fuv3mLqxq5
— Dave Stieber (@D_Stieber) February 21, 2026
For years, Christopher Columbus loomed large in Arrigo and Grant parks in Chicago. The original colonizer of the Americas was exalted for years for “discovering” the New World. His presence ushered in the deaths of indigenous people and the pillaging of the land. His brutal history was sanitized for centuries and taught to children as a positive thing.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case anymore.
The vacant places that once held statues honoring Columbus remain empty after more than 5 years since they were removed. Finally, Arrigo Park will be home to a new statue honoring someone who helped people, specifically immigrants.
Chicago is instead honoring the patron saint of immigrants
Today we celebrate St. Frances Xavier Cabrini! The first U.S. citizen canonized and an Italian immigrant who shaped NY history. She founded schools, hospitals, & orphanages for immigrant families, bringing hope to those far from home.St. Frances Cabrini, pray for us! pic.twitter.com/03AsicFMWA…