Pope Leo XIV to address pilgrims as National Eucharistic journey concludes
Pope Leo XIV will deliver a special video message to Catholics across the United States at the conclusion of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The message will be shown Sunday, July 5, at the opening of the closing Mass and procession in Philadelphia, where thousands of pilgrims are expected to gather. The address will reflect on the legacy of Catholicism in the U.S. and encourage renewed unity, peace, and hope through the Eucharist. The pilgrimage covers the eastern U.S. and ends on Independence Day weekend, drawing pilgrims to shrines of St. Katharine Drexel and St. John Neumann. EWTN Global Catholic Network will distribute the papal message worldwide via livestream, YouTube, and its apps.
3 months ago
Pope Leo XIV will deliver a special video address to Catholics in the United States as the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concludes in Philadelphia on July 5, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and highlighting the legacy of Catholicism, unity, peace and hope in the Eucharist. 1
The Holy Father’s prerecorded message will be shown at the opening of the closing Mass and Eucharistic procession in Philadelphia, where thousands of pilgrims are expected to gather after a six‑week journey along the original 13 colonies. 1 2 3
Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia called the message “a profound gift… to all who seek peace, unity and hope.” Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress, described the address as “a landmark moment — a call to renewal for the Church in our country.” 1 2 5
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in partnership with Vatican Media, will stream the address on its YouTube channel, the EWTN + apps and linear broadcast. The video will also be available through the National Eucharistic Congress’s Manna app and on the Vatican website. 1 4 5
The pilgrimage began on May 24 in St. Augustine, Florida, and carried the Blessed Sacrament through the eastern United States, reaching as far north as New Hampshire and Maine. Nine “perpetual pilgrims” traveled the entire route under the patronage of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized. 1 3 5
Closing events in Philadelphia will draw pilgrims to the tomb of St. Katharine Drexel and the shrine of St. John Neumann—both symbols of American Catholic heritage. Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States, highlighted the connection to Mother Cabrini, having recently visited her birthplace in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, reinforcing the saint’s role in guiding the pilgrimage. 1 2 4
Young‑adult “perpetual pilgrims” reported that the journey transformed familiar moments into fresh encounters with Christ, emphasizing the Eucharist as a source of ongoing grace and renewal as they approached the final week in Philadelphia. 5*
Eucharistic pilgrimage underscores Catholic unity and national identity
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