Despite early end, Catholic leaders’ US tour highlights impact of grassroots ministries

Written by Simone Orendain | July 17, 2026

(OSV News) — A small delegation from the Vatican-supported World Meeting of Popular Movements has completed its visit to cities across the U.S., where members said they have been struck by the love and compassion people showed for others.

The delegation was scheduled to leave the U.S. July 30, but “unforeseen circumstances” led them to reschedule the trip’s second half, the tour coordinator told OSV News July 17. While the delegation’s members hope to return in the fall or winter for a second visit, they described a rich experience that may inform new ministry initiatives.

The delegation included Father Mattia Ferrari of the Archdiocese of Modena-Nonantola in north-central Italy; César Piscoya, a Peruvian theologian and adviser to the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council, widely known as CELAM; and Luca Casarini, the Italian founder of Mediterranea Saving Humans. The three Church leaders arrived in the U.S. June 20 and met with communities in Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Houston, Pittsburgh and elsewhere.