ALAS Founder & CEO Dr. Belinda Hernández-Arriaga Meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

A Call to Action for Hope, Reconciliation, and Justice for Migrants

Half Moon Bay, California — October 9, 2025 — Dr. Belinda Hernández-Arriaga, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar), has just returned from Rome, where she and a delegation of five ALAS staff members met with Pope Leo XIV on October 2 to join global leaders in dialogue about the future of migrant and

refugee justice.

In his address, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to all participants for their unwavering

commitment to uplifting displaced and marginalized communities. He issued a powerful call to action rooted in hope and reconciliation, urging the world not to remain silent in the face of injustice.

“Migrants are not enemies, just brothers and sisters in need,” Pope Leo stated.

He warned against the “globalization of powerlessness,” reminding all: “The answer cannot be silence.” The Pope called for a culture of hope and reconciliation — one “not about holding grudges, but about seeing people where they are, walking with them in dignity, and embracing our shared humanity.”

During the gathering, Dr. Hernández-Arriaga personally spoke with Pope Leo about ALAS’s

work serving California’s coastal farming communities. She also extended a heartfelt

invitation for the Pope to visit Half Moon Bay to witness firsthand the struggles, resilience and strength of farmworker and immigrant families.

“This blessing is not just symbolic — it is a call,” said Dr. Hernández-Arriaga. “At ALAS, we see every day the courage of farmworker and immigrant families who too often remain invisible. The Pope’s words remind us that our work is part of a global movement — one rooted in hope, reconciliation, and justice.”

For ALAS, the encounter affirms years of dedication to serving families who face systemic

inequities, including food insecurity, housing instability, trauma, and limited access to

healthcare. Through initiatives such as the Farmworker Equity Express Bus, ALAS brings

telehealth, tutoring, and mental health support directly to the fields, while also advancing

immigration advocacy, cultural arts, education, and affordable housing.

The Pope’s recognition underscores how urgent this mission remains — not only for California,

but as part of a global movement for dignity and justice for migrants and refugees

everywhere.

About ALAS

ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar) is a nonprofit organization based in Half Moon Bay,

California, dedicated to serving Latino and farmworker families through culturally rooted

programs in mental health, education, immigration, newcomer support, cultural arts, and social

services. Guided by the belief that cultura cura — culture heals — ALAS is committed to

building equity, dignity, and hope for immigrant communities across California. For more

information, please visit: www.alasdreams.com

Credit: The Vatican:

Photo Caption, Dr. Belinda Hernández-Arriaga, Founder & CEO of ALAS, meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on October 2, 2025, uplifting the voices of farmworker and immigrant families and inviting him to visit Half Moon Bay.

Credit: The Vatican:

Group photo at the Vatican with members of the ALAS delegation — Dr. Hiram Santisteban,

Dulce Santisteban, Dr. Belinda Hernández-Arriaga, Veronica Rodriguez, Laurianna Ceja, and

Enrique Bazan — together with Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, Executive Director of Catholic

Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and a Vatican priest, following their audience with Pope Leo

XIV.

Media Contact:

Victoria Sanchez De Alba

De Alba Communications

650-270-7810, Victoria@dealba.net