Cabrini

The Pope who grants Cabrini permission to found her order, recognizing her mission’s scope but cautioning about the tensions between faith and worldly ambition. He ultimately supports her work, even when faced with institutional resistance.

A hostile city official who opposes Cabrini’s arrival and uses political power to push her out of property. His stance reflects local nativism and bureaucratic opposition to immigrant welfare efforts.

A journalist ally who helps Cabrini gain sympathetic press coverage, illustrating the role of media in advancing social reform and exposing harsh conditions.

An Italian immigrant boy who initially leans toward theft and street-smart survival but is touched by Cabrini’s compassion. He becomes involved in protecting Vittoria and the Sisters, and wrestles with violence while seeking a better path.

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, a tuberculosis-stricken nun who builds an orphanage and hospital for immigrant children. Her relentless determination and faith drive a global network that culminates in canonization as the first American saint.

A physician who treats Cabrini and supports her mission, offering medical expertise and pragmatic advice as the hospital network expands.

A religious authority who initially blocks Cabrini’s plans and attempts to send her back to Italy, highlighting institutional resistance to unconventional approaches to charity.

A sympathetic prostitute who becomes an ally to Cabrini, helping shelter and support the Sisters and the community while overcoming stigma.

A nun in Cabrini’s order who contributes to charitable work and the care of orphans, embodying the religious community’s dedication.

A member of the immigrant community connected to Cabrini’s network. Her presence reflects the broader social fabric Cabrini mobilizes to aid the vulnerable.

Paolo’s friend who works to support Cabrini’s mission, later dying in a pump-station accident, illustrating the personal costs of immigrant life.

A nun within Cabrini’s order who participates in mission work, contributing to the community’s spiritual and social efforts.