COPOMIAO — a national nonprofit representing 71 Italian American organizations across the country — warmly congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his historic election. As the first U.S.-born Pontiff, his rise to the papacy is a milestone in the Church’s 2,000-year history and opens the door to renewed engagement with American Catholics. 

Over the past three years, COPOMIAO leaders met with Pope Francis and senior Vatican officials — both publicly and privately — to strengthen ties and champion the voice of Italian American Catholics within the global Church. That mission continues today... 

“The Conference of Presidents is unique in that we earned our prominence by representing all Italian Americans — not just the wealthy or powerful. That spirit of inclusivity mirrors the Church’s mission to serve everyone," said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo.

"We remain committed to elevating the voices of our 18-million-strong Italian American community, from within local parish halls to the Vatican itself. With the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, we see tremendous promise as he leads the faithful into a new chapter of our Church’s story.”

On June 7, at our annual COPOMIAO summit in New York City, we’ll explore new ways to engage with the Vatican that honors our universal approach to our culture, faith and traditions.