Pope Leo XIV Highlights Migrant Care Inspired by Mother Cabrini

Pope Leo XIV Visits Mother Cabrini’s Birthplace

Pope Leo XIV visited the birthplace of Mother Cabrini in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, emphasizing her role as a model for Christians in aiding migrants. Leo, known for his opposing views with the Trump administration’s stance on migrants, encouraged young people to study Cabrini’s life and work, reinforcing his focus on migrant issues.

During his visit, Leo prayed beside Cabrini’s tomb in the basilica named for her and led an evening prayer service. This visit was part of his summer tour in Italy.

Pope Leo XIV: “Let us ask ourselves: if Mother Francesca were alive today, what would her missionary spirit tell her?”

Mother Cabrini’s Legacy

Mother Cabrini, known as the patron saint of migrants, earned recognition for her work with Italian immigrants in the U.S. during the early 1900s. Her widespread influence included establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages in several countries.

Cabrini became a U.S. citizen and was beatified and canonized after her death in 1917, marking her as the first American saint.

Addressing Modern Migration

Leo invoked Cabrini’s example as crucial in modern times, urging understanding of her writings and missions. Leo’s appeal particularly targeted young people, encouraging them to embrace Cabrini’s compassion and dedication.

Leo’s Challenges with Trump Over Migration

Pope Leo XIV’s public disagreement with President Trump over migration policies brought focus to his visit to Lampedusa on July 4, following Pope Francis’s inaugural journey there. Polls show shifts in Republican views of Leo since the dispute.

Statistics from the Public Religion Research Institute indicate that 56% of Americans approve of Leo, as opposed to 34% for Trump. Favorability ratings among Catholics have seen a decline, particularly among Republican Catholics.

Migrant Advocacy in Leo’s Ministry

Leo upholds the Gospel’s call to welcome migrants. His recent visit to the Canary Islands emphasized integrating migrants from West Africa who seek refuge.

Plans for Leo’s next trip to Lampedusa reinforce this commitment, as the island serves as a primary entry point for migrants from North Africa.

Pilgrimage to St. Augustine’s Tomb

Before traveling to Cabrini’s hometown, Leo stopped to pray at St. Augustine’s tomb in Pavia, urging Italians to rekindle their Catholic faith.

St. Augustine’s Influence

Leo identified Augustine, born in 354 in present-day Algeria, as crucial to his religious life. Augustine’s works, such as “Confessions” and “The City of God,” inspire Leo’s pontificate.

Augustine’s conversion near Milan and contributions to Christian thought highlight the value of spiritual introspection—a key aspect of Leo’s teachings.

The article includes reporting by the Associated Press.