Pope Leo XIV hails first American saint as model for migrant care

Pope Leo XIV honored the first American saint, Mother Frances Cabrini, as a model for contemporary Christian care for migrants during a visit to her birthplace in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, northern Italy. The Pope, who has previously expressed differing views from the Trump administration on migrant policies, emphasized Cabrini's legacy and urged young people to learn from her life and service.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV prayed at Cabrini's tomb in the basilica dedicated to her and led an evening prayer service. This trip to northern Italy is part of his broader summer tour across Italy, aimed at connecting with his global flock. Mother Frances Cabrini, revered as the patron saint of migrants, is recognized for her extensive work assisting Italian immigrants in the United States at the turn of the 20th century.

“

What could be more relevant today than a missionary charism dedicated to serving migrants?

Cabrini's humanitarian efforts extended globally, as she established schools, hospitals, and orphanages for the underprivileged. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen and passed away in Chicago in 1917. Her journey to sainthood culminated in her beatification and subsequent canonization in 1946, marking her as the first American saint.

“

Let us ask ourselves: if Mother Francesca were alive today, what would her missionary spirit tell her? And what would a pope like Francis, who, as the son of Italian immigrants, made service to migrants one of the key priorities of his pontificate, ask of her?

Reflecting on Cabrini's inspiration, Pope Leo XIV stated, "What could be more relevant today than a missionary charism dedicated to serving migrants?" He posed a rhetorical question, asking what Mother Francesca would advise today and what a pope like Francis, the son of Italian immigrants, would ask of her. The Pope encouraged engagement with Cabrini's writings and personal reflections.

Pope Leo XIV's ministry continues to champion the Catholic Church's call to "welcome the stranger." This follows his recent visit to Spain's Canary Islands, a key route for migrants from West Africa, where he advocated for their welcome and integration. His upcoming July 4th visit to Lampedusa, a major arrival point for migrants from North Africa, carries symbolic weight, echoing Pope Francis's first papal trip outside Rome in 2013.

“

I therefore take this opportunity to make an appeal, especially to young people: get to know St. Frances Cabrini!