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Pope Leo XIV highlights first American saint as model for migrant care
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

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

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Pope Leo XIV honored the first American saint, Mother Francesca Cabrini, as a model for caring for migrants.
  • Visiting her birthplace in northern Italy, the Pope urged young people to learn from her life and service.
  • This highlights the Pope's continued focus on migrants, aligning with his predecessor Pope Francis's priorities.

Pope Leo XIV honored the first American saint, Mother Francesca Cabrini, as a crucial model for Christians today, particularly in their duty to care for migrants. During a day trip to her birthplace in northern Italy, the pontiff emphasized Cabrini's legacy of service to those in need.

Speaking at a basilica in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, near Milan, where he prayed at Cabrini's tomb, Pope Leo XIV urged young people to study her life and missionary work. This visit underscores his commitment to prioritizing the plight of migrants, a stance that has previously put him at odds with certain governments. His approach mirrors that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also consistently highlighted the importance of assisting migrants.

Mother Francesca Cabrini, the patron saint of migrants, is widely recognized for her extensive work assisting Italian immigrants in the United States during the late 19th century. However, her humanitarian efforts extended globally, with the establishment of schools, hospitals, and orphanages for the underprivileged.

What could be more timely than a missionary charism dedicated to the service of migrants?

— Pope Leo XIVDuring his speech honoring Mother Francesca Cabrini.

The Pope posed rhetorical questions about what Cabrini's missionary spirit would inspire today and what a pontiff like Francis, the son of Italian immigrants, would ask of her. He encouraged the youth to engage with her writings, travelogues, and retreat notes to better understand her dedication.

Pope Leo XIV's ministry to migrants reflects the Catholic Church's Gospel-based call to "welcome the stranger." This emphasis was evident during his recent visit to the Canary Islands, a key destination for migrants from West Africa, where he called for the reception and integration of those fleeing hardship and conflict. His upcoming travel on July 4th includes a visit to Lampedusa, a Sicilian island that serves as a major arrival point for migrants.

If Mother Francisca were alive today, what would her missionary soul say?

— Pope Leo XIVPosing a question about the relevance of Cabrini's work in the present day.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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