By Courtney Mares OSV News LAMPEDUSA, ITALY — Pope Leo XIV traveled to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa July 4, laying a wreath at the graves of migrants who drowned trying to reach Europe and celebrating an open-air Mass in which he called on Catholics to be good Samaritans offering compassion to those who […]
Talk Story: A day of symbolism and hope
Office for Social Ministry “Many migrants, refugees and displaced persons are witnesses of hope…they demonstrate this daily through their resilience and trust in God.” (Pope Leo XIV, message for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees) On July 4, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Across the country, families will […]
‘They are faces, not numbers’: A legacy of justice and mercy for migrants
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News ROME — Not long after Pope Francis’ election in 2013, media pundits and faithful wondered and speculated what countries he would visit as pope. Naturally, many assumed the newly elected pontiff would make Brazil his first official visit given that World Youth Day, a global event that has always […]