Pope: May the Church in the US continue to evangelize and serve society

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger on Unsplash

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV sent a video message for the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the United States and encouraged participants to draw from the Eucharist a source of renewal and unity.

"May the Eucharist continue to be a source of renewal and unity for the United States and may it give the Church in the country the strength to evangelise and continue serving society," Pope Leo XIV said in his message released today.

The Eucharistic heritage of the country "far from being forgotten, must continue to serve as source of both renewal and unity," he said.

Through the gift that is the Eucharist "the Church in the United States will find strength to carry on her charitable service to the wider society, especially in the areas of education, healthcare and basic social services, while at the same time continuing her mission to evangelize."

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a pilgrimage across the United States with Masses, processions and other events, which took place for the first time in 2024, as part of the US Catholic Bishops' Conference's (USCCB) initiative, the National Eucharistic Revival, to renew devotion to Christ and the Eucharist.

The pilgrimage experience was then repeated in 2025 and now in 2026, which coincides with the country's 250th anniversary of its independence..

"As you walked through many of the thirteen original colonies, you have prayed for unity, renewal and healing for the country, under the motto 'One Nation Under God. These intentions are also close to my own heart," Pope Leo said in his message, quoting the theme chosen for this year's edition.

He emphasised how a pilgrimage "centred on the Lord" is a good way to celebrate the country's anniversary and thanked the USCCB and all those who organised it.

"As the country marks the anniversary of the founding of its earthly homeland, it is my hope that this experience as pilgrims will also help you to fix your eyes on the heavenly one, and likewise serve as a reminder that the Eucharist is an invaluable gift, our indispensable sustenance."

In his address Pope Leo recalled the important Eucharistic heritage of his home country as it is "united 'under God,'" and "has been imbued with a sense of faith that recognizes God's sovereignty even before its formal establishment."

This is because, the Pope explained, on September 8, 1583, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated in Saint Augustine, Florida, by Spanish explorers and settlers upon their arrival, followed by a feast with the local Seloy tribe. In fact this year's pilgrimage began in that exact location.

"This historical event, accompanied by many others, attests to the strong, though largely unknown, Eucharistic heritage of the United States of America," he noted, insisting that it should continue being a source of renewal and unity for the country.

The Pope pointed out how this heritage has continued to bear fruit, citing important US saints that across the centuries have borne "witness to the Gospel in a radical way."

He mentioned "the martyrs in New York and Georgia, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint John Neumann and Venerable Fulton Sheen, who will soon be beatified."

The Pope also noted St Frances Xavier Cabrini - whom the pilgrimage route was named after - an Italian-American sister who cared for the spiritual and material needs of poor immigrants, and the first American to be recognized as a saint.

"The intense apostolic activity of these holy men and women, and others like them, would not have been possible without the strength they drew daily from moments of silent prayer before the tabernacle," the Pope emphasised.

The Pope then underlined how those participating in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage are following in the footsteps of these important figures and carrying on the legacy of the faith.

"Along your journey, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic processions and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament were not lacking, providing you with the strength and nourishment needed to continue your course," the Pope said.

He highlighted how the body and blood of Christ are the life of the Church on earth and its most precious possession.

Pope Leo then concluded his speech by wishing that all those who participated to place their lives "under God's loving providence" and to continue cultivating a strong Eucharistic life in their communities.

Watch the Message on Vatican Media Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi4QdWyRJTA