Vatican priest visits Seattle to encounter local immigrant, social justice communities

By Andrew Foster | July 15, 2026

SEATTLE — Father Mattia Ferrari from the Vatican flew into Seattle July 1 as part of a larger mission as coordinator for the World Meeting of Popular Movements and chaplain of Mediterranea Saving Humans.

He came alongside Luca Casarini, founder of Mediterranea Saving Humans, and César Piscoya, a friend of Pope Leo XIV who served as the executive secretary of the social vicariate in the Diocese of Chiclayo at the request of then-Bishop Robert Prevost.

Brought to the Archdiocese of Seattle by the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center (IPJC) by way of Catholics in Communion in partnership with the World Meeting of Popular Movements, the two-day trip was just one stop of many around the United States where the delegation sought to learn about the experiences and challenges facing immigrant communities in the country.