First Italian American Organization to Meet with First Italian American Pope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2025) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) achieved a historic milestone on June 4, 2025, when members of its Board of Directors were granted a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This extraordinary meeting took place during NIAF’s Board Mission to Italy, a week-long series of institutional and cultural meetings with local and national officials designed to strengthen connections between the United States and Italy.

Pope Leo XIV is joined by members of the NIAF Board of Directors.

NIAF is the first Italian American organization to be granted a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, who is the first Italian American to serve as Pope. This exclusive recognition underscores NIAF’s distinguished standing as the preeminent voice of the Italian American community and its respected position among Italian and Vatican leadership. During the meeting, His Holiness confirmed to NIAF Chairman John Calvelli that his Italian heritage traces back to Sicily.

NIAF Chairman John Calvelli meets Pope Leo XIV.

“This unprecedented opportunity represents a profound moment for our Foundation and the entire Italian American community,” said NIAF Chairman John Calvelli. “To meet with the first Italian American Pope as representatives of our community is deeply humbling and underscores the remarkable journey of Italian Americans from immigrants seeking opportunity to the highest positions of leadership and service worldwide.”

The private audience highlighted the enduring bond between Italy and the Italian American community, emphasizing shared commitments to faith, heritage, and service. In his remarks to the NIAF delegation, His Holiness recognized the significant impact of Catholicism on Italian immigrants to the United States and their descendants.

“This historic meeting symbolizes the bridge between our ancestral homeland and the Italian American experience,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “His Holiness’s recognition of our community’s faith journey and contributions validates the legacy of millions of Italian Americans who have maintained their spiritual and cultural connections across generations. This unprecedented access demonstrates NIAF’s unique position as the most influential Italian American organization internationally and our vital role in fostering Italy-U.S. relations at the highest levels.”

NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini meeting Pope Leo XIV for the first time.

This historic papal meeting marks a defining moment in NIAF’s 50-year history and establishes a new chapter in Italian American representation at the highest levels of global leadership. As NIAF continues to expand its international influence, this unprecedented access to the Vatican underscores the organization’s evolution into a truly global diplomatic force for the Italian American community.

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CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.