ROME — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., and other pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte took part in a Nov. 14-23 pilgrimage to Rome. As part of the trip, Bishop Martin had a brief but meaningful encounter with Pope Leo XIV during his general audience.
Bishop Martin said he shared with the pope “how much the people of western North Carolina are praying for him and supportive of his ministry,” and he “thanked him for the messaging that he’s so clearly offered on behalf of migrants in our area who are in so much distress and experiencing so much anxiety these days.”
He also asked Pope Leo to continue praying for the people of the diocese and assured the pope that they would continue to pray for him.
The group prayed at the basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and St. Peter, and walked through the Holy Doors as part of the Jubilee year. They made an excursion to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order to which Bishop Martin belongs.
— Photos provided
Read Bishop Martin’s statement calling Catholics to action: https://bit.ly/3XCPORb
Pictured above: Bishop Martin meets with Pope Leo XIV. Photo captured from video screen
