Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mother Cabrini’s Legacy of Service to Migrants

Pope Leo XIV visited the birthplace of Mother Cabrini in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, near Milan, on Saturday, celebrating her as the first American saint and a model for how Christians should aid migrants. His visit is part of his broader tour of Italy aimed at understanding his community better.

Leo XIV has often clashed with the Trump administration over its immigrant policies. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of Cabrini’s life and work, urging young people to learn from her dedication to migrant care.

Pope Leo XIV prayed at Cabrini’s tomb and led an evening prayer service at the basilica named after her.

Cabrini’s Global Impact

Known as the patron saint of migrants, Mother Cabrini worked extensively with Italian immigrants in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her efforts spanned the globe, establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages for those in need. Cabrini became a naturalized U.S. citizen in Chicago and was canonized as the first American saint in 1946 after her death in 1917.

Leo XIV’s Call to Action

Pope Leo XIV underscored Cabrini’s missionary spirit, posing questions on how she might have responded to today’s migrant challenges. He referenced Pope Francis’s focus on migrant service and encouraged young people to explore Cabrini’s writings and work further.

Political Tensions

Leo XIV’s stance on migration has fueled tensions with the Trump administration. His July 4 visit to Lampedusa reflects his dedication to migrant issues, underscored by historical significance, resonating with decisions by Pope Francis.

Polling indicates Pope Leo XIV remains more popular than President Donald Trump across varied religious and political demographics. The Public Religion Research Institute noted 56 percent favorability for Leo XIV versus 34 percent for Trump. Yet, Republican Catholics and less frequent churchgoers have shown a decline in support for Leo, according to Pew Research.

Focus on Migration

Leo XIV adheres to the Church’s call to “welcome the stranger.” His recent visit to Spain’s Canary Islands emphasized integration and compassion for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty. His upcoming trip to Lampedusa further demonstrates this commitment.

Pilgrimage to St. Augustine

Before arriving in Cabrini’s birthplace, Leo XIV visited St. Augustine’s tomb in Pavia, appealing to Italians to reconnect with their Catholic roots. He noted the declining attendance in churches due to secular trends.

“At a time when many have lost their spiritual appetite or no longer find the Christian faith meaningful, we must proclaim the Gospel,” Leo said.

St. Augustine’s Influence

St. Augustine, born in 354 in present-day Algeria, converted to Christianity in Milan and later became a bishop. Known for significant contributions like “Confessions” and “The City of God,” his life remains a source of spiritual guidance.

Leo XIV often cites Augustine as his pontificate’s guiding influence, calling himself “a son of St. Augustine” upon assuming office.