While on pilgrimage in Rome, Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., bishop of Charlotte, had a brief but meaningful encounter with Pope Leo XIV during the pope’s general audience on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, giving him the opportunity to raise the issue of immigration actions happening this week in Charlotte. 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 of Charlotte and assured the pope that they would continue to pray for him in return.

Read Bishop Martin’s statement calling Catholics to action: https://bit.ly/3XCPORb