Pope Leo XIV meets with leaders of the National Foundation italo-American, blesses his cultural mission

Pope Leo XIV met this June 4 with the National Foundation Ítalo-American and blessed his work of continuing the spiritual and cultural legacy of his ancestors.

Before holding his weekly general audience in the Plaza de San Pedro, the Holy Father met with members of the Board of Directors of the main Ítalo-American Foundation and thanked them for its various initiatives in the United States and Italy.

“His work to continue educating young people about Italian culture and history, as well as the provision of scholarships and other charitable aid in both countries, helps maintain a mutually beneficial and concrete connection between the two nations,” said Leo XIV at the morning meeting.

The Foundation, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, grants 1.5 million dollars every year in educational scholarships and inheritance travel opportunities to young students.

During the brief meeting, the Holy Father said that the Catholic faith is a “distinctive seal” of the legacy built by many people who emigrated to the United States from Italy.

“A distinctive seal of many who emigrated to the United States from Italy was their Catholic faith, with its rich traditions of popular piety and devotions that continued to practice in their new nation,” he said. “This faith sustained them in difficult times, even when they arrived with a sense of hope for a prosperous future in their new country.”

Robert Allegrini, president and executive director of the National Foundation Ítalo-American, told Ewtn News on June 4-which was a “tremendous honor” for the organization to meet with the first Pope born in the United States.

“The heat of the Italian inheritance of His Holiness manifested himself in the friendly and pious reception that provided each of the members of our delegation,” he shared. “The Pope was very happy to know that the president of the National Foundation is also a Chicago compatriot.”

“What is particularly significant for us as an ital-American is that we feel that we combine the best of both cultures, traditions and values, both Italians and American,” he said. “This really makes us special and truly in tune with the Pope, who shares those features with us.”

Towards the end of the meeting, the Pope encouraged the delegation to also be pilgrims in the eternal city this week, in addition to his meetings separated from Wednesday with him and with the Italian President Sergio Matella.

“His visit to the Vatican occurs during the Jubilee Year, which is focused on hope, which Anida” as desire and expectation of good, even ignoring what will bring with him tomorrow, “said the Holy Father, citing Hope you don’t disappoint.

“At a time full of many challenges, that their time here, in a city marked by the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as many saints who strengthened the Church throughout difficult periods of history, renews their sense of hope and confidence in the future,” he said, before imparting his apostolic blessing to the delegation, their families and loved ones.

According to the 2022 American community survey, published by the United States Census Office, 16 million people, representing 4.8% of the total population of the United States, declared italian ancestry.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.