Pope Leo XIV honored Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American saint, during a visit to her birthplace in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy. The pontiff praised Cabrini’s work caring for migrants and urged young people to follow her example. Cabrini, canonized in 1946, was known for her global efforts to support immigrants, including Italian migrants in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century.
Leo’s remarks come amid his ongoing criticism of the Trump administration’s migrant policies. Last November, he called for 'deep reflection' on how migrants were treated under Trump’s leadership. The pope also referenced Pope Francis, who made migrant advocacy a key priority of his pontificate.
Cabrini’s legacy includes founding schools, hospitals, and orphanages worldwide. She died in 1917 as a naturalized U.S. citizen in Chicago, Leo’s native city. The pope’s visit to northern Italy is part of his summertime tour to connect with his flock.