Italian American Leaders Formalize Vatican Ties with Pope Leo XIV

Basil M. Russo, president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), spearheaded the mission to Rome to discuss the preservation of centuries-old religious traditions. The talks focused on maintaining the vitality of patron saint feasts and engaging younger generations in a heritage that remains a cornerstone of the Italian American experience.

This diplomatic outreach builds upon a 2022 summit that first established a formal dialogue between the organization and the Vatican. By institutionalizing these meetings, COPOMIAO aims to bridge the gap between U.S. community groups and the Church hierarchy. Russo noted that the growing relationship provides a vital spiritual framework for the coalition’s broader mission to protect cultural history. Founded in 1975, the New York-based nonprofit now coordinates 77 fraternal, educational, and advocacy groups, positioning itself as a primary conduit for Italian American interests on the international stage.