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February 11, 2026VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV received Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Photo: Catholic News Service / Vatican MediaThe 35-minute meeting provided an opportunity for Archbishop Sample to share an update on the life of the Church in western Oregon and the spiritual fruits of the archdiocese’s ongoing mission renewal efforts. That renewal has been anchored in three pillars: fostering a strong and united brotherhood among priests, forming parishes for evangelization, and cultivating mission-passionate Catholic schools.
As a sign of gratitude and a gesture of communion between our local church and the Bishop of Rome, Archbishop Sample presented the Holy Father with several gifts from Oregon. These included a Pendleton wool blanket depicting Mt. Hood, historical photographs of St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, which celebrates its centennial year in 2026, and images from last year’s Corpus Christi procession through the Pearl District, offering a glimpse of both the archdiocese’s history and the vibrant, united public witness of our culturally diverse Catholic community today.
Corpus Christi procession with Archbishop Sample in Portland, Oregon, June 22, 2025. Photo: Dylan Encarnacion
Photo: Catholic News Service / Vatican MediaArchbishop Sample also discussed with the Holy Father the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel with fidelity and courage amid an increasingly secular culture. The Pope listened attentively and warmly, assuring the Archbishop of his prayers for the people of western Oregon.
After the meeting, Archbishop Sample said he was especially struck by Pope Leo’s discernment and his deep desire for ecclesial unity rooted in truth and charity. He asked the faithful to continue praying for the Holy Father’s intentions and for the ongoing renewal of the Church in western Oregon.