Pope Leo XIV on Saturday exalted St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint, as a model for Christians for her dedication to caring for migrants. The pontiff made the remarks during a Mass at Pavia Cathedral in northern Italy on June 20, 2026, drawing attention to Cabrini's legacy as an immigrant herself and a tireless advocate for the displaced.
Who was St. Frances Xavier Cabrini?
Born in Italy in 1850, Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She established schools, hospitals, and orphanages for Italian immigrants in the United States and across the Americas. Pope Pius XII canonized her in 1946, making her the first American citizen saint. Her feast day is November 13.
Pope's message on migration
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV called Cabrini a "shining example" of Christian charity, especially in an era of global migration. "She crossed oceans not for her own gain, but to serve the most vulnerable among us," the pope said, according to Vatican News. "Her life reminds us that welcoming the stranger is not an option but a Gospel mandate." The pope's words come amid ongoing debates over migration policies in Europe and North America.
Event details
The Mass was held as part of a special celebration honoring Cabrini's legacy, with hundreds of faithful attending. Many reached out to touch the pope as he left the cathedral. The event also included prayers for migrants and refugees worldwide, reflecting the Vatican's continued emphasis on compassion for displaced people.
