The Chicago municipality has concluded a lengthy dispute with the Italian-American community regarding the replacement of the statue of Christopher Columbus, which was removed in 2020 amidst worldwide revisionism and criticism of Columbus's historical role. The decision was formally announced, revealing that the new statue will honor Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian-American missionary nun and the first canonized saint from the United States. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is recognized for her work in helping immigrants.

In 2020, the city removed two Columbus statues due to rising criticisms from activist groups, who condemned the navigator's actions and their negative impacts on indigenous populations since his arrival in the Americas in 1492. The largest of the statues, located at Grant Park alongside Lake Michigan, became the center of protests where approximately a thousand demonstrators clashed with police in efforts to pull it down. This event marked a significant moment of social upheaval and reconsideration of public monuments across the nation.

The replacement with Cabrini's statue at Arrigo Park in the city's southwest reflects a broader effort to acknowledge historical figures who have positively impacted immigrant communities, rather than colonial figures who are viewed negatively in contemporary society. This decision not only resonates with the ongoing dialogue about representation in public spaces but also aims to foster healing and inclusivity for the diverse population of Chicago.