Pope Leo’s video message at the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
[United States of America, – 5 July 2026]
USA – “One Nation Under God”
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Pope Leo’s video message,
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am pleased to welcome you at the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
As you know, pilgrimages are deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and are often undertaken to commemorate significant anniversaries, bringing the community together in prayer.
In this light, it is particularly fitting that we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America with a pilgrimage centered on our Lord.
As you walked through the thirteen original colonies, you prayed for unity, renewal, and healing for our country under the motto “One Nation Under God.”
These intentions are also close to my heart.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as to everyone who contributed to organizing this event and to all who participated in person or virtually.
United “under God,” this nation has been imbued with a sense of faith that recognizes God’s sovereignty even before its formal establishment.
Your pilgrimage began in St. Augustine, Florida, on September 8, 1565—the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—when Spanish explorers and settlers celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving upon their arrival. This was followed by a feast shared with the local Seloy tribe.
This historical event, along with many others, attests to the United States of America’s strong, though largely unknown, Eucharistic heritage.
This heritage must continue to serve as a source of renewal and unity.
With the blessing of Almighty God, this heritage has continued to bear fruit, leading new generations of American Catholics to Jesus Christ.
The Lord has also inspired certain men and women to boldly proclaim the Gospel.
For example, I think of the martyrs in New York and Georgia: St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katharine Drexel, St. John Neumann, and the Venerable Fulton Sheen, who will soon be beatified.
The route you followed is named after Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the founder of a religious congregation whose mission was to care for the spiritual and material needs of poor immigrants.
The intense apostolic activity of these holy men and women, and others like them, would not have been possible without the strength they drew from daily moments of silent prayer before the tabernacle.
Brothers and sisters, by participating in this Eucharistic pilgrimage, you carry on this great legacy of faith.
Throughout your journey, Masses were celebrated, Eucharistic processions were held, and the Blessed Sacrament was adored, providing you with the strength and nourishment needed to continue.
Perhaps you have experienced a hunger for “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51—”I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give is my flesh”
Indeed, the true body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ sustain the pilgrim Church on earth.
St. John Paul II beautifully expressed this in his encyclical letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia:
“The Eucharist, as Christ’s saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession the Church has on her journey through history” (No. 9).
As the country marks the anniversary of the founding of its earthly homeland, I hope this pilgrimage helps you fix your eyes on the heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:16 — “As it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Likewise, may this experience serve as a reminder that the Eucharist is an invaluable gift and our indispensable sustenance.
The Church in the United States will find the strength to continue her charitable service to wider society, especially in education, healthcare, and basic social services, through her recognition and reception of this gift. At the same time, she will continue her mission to evangelize.
s this pilgrimage comes to an end, I encourage you to entrust your lives to God’s loving providence as you return home. I also encourage you to cultivate a strong Eucharistic life among your families, friends, and communities.
I am confident that the Eucharistic pilgrimage will bear abundant fruit in the United States of America. I entrust all of you to the maternal intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
May the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bless all of you. Amen.
