Welcome to the enchanting journey of the new Pope, Robert Francis Prevost, as he embarks on a path of prayer and homage, following in the footsteps of his predecessor. The journey begins at Genazzano and Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Pope pays his respects to the Madonna and Bergoglio, in a surprise trip from the Roman Castles to the heart of Rome.
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The faithful greet him with chants of ‘Long live the Pope,’ setting the stage for the first Regina Caeli tomorrow at St. Peter’s Square and the official ceremony on Sunday, May 18.
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The pontiff: “We embrace this precious legacy and continue the journey, inspired by the same hope that comes from faith.” “This is why I took the name of Leone XIV. Because the Pope of the historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social issue in the context of the first great industrial revolution, and today we face new challenges to protect human dignity.” (ANSA)
During a two-hour private meeting with the cardinals in the new Synod Hall, Robert Francis Prevost outlined the themes of his pontificate: continuity with Bergoglio, as expressed in his speech from the Loggia delle Benedizioni, and readiness to tackle new challenges such as artificial intelligence, much like Leone XIII – whom he evidently draws inspiration from – did with the industrial revolution.
“Your presence reminds me that the Lord, who entrusted me with this mission, does not leave me alone in carrying its responsibility,” he said, defining himself as “a humble servant of God and of brothers, nothing more than that.” Humility and devotion, Augustinian values and cornerstones of his ministry, are also reflected in his papal coat of arms, with the motto dedicated to St. Augustine and the Marian lily: ‘In Illo Uno Umum’ in Latin, ‘in the one Christ, we are one.’
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The Pope at the Sanctuary of Genazzano, where he celebrated Mass last year as a cardinal
After the formal engagements, Prevost basks in his first moment of public adoration. He surprises everyone by visiting the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small village overlooking Rome, where he joins the Augustinians in prayer on every significant occasion. As a priest, bishop, and cardinal, he has always sought solace in this sacred place. Last year, on April 25th, he celebrated Mass during the Feast of the “Arrival” of the Mother of Good Counsel. What began as a private visit turned into a joyous celebration for the entire town.
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Leone XIV will appear from the Loggia delle Benedizioni (ANSA)
“The people whisper – a lady recounts – I heard he was coming and rushed here. I was the first to greet him, but I couldn’t say anything.” Along the way, in a black van, Leone XIV waves to passersby, even blessing a child from the window. “I wanted to come here in these early days of my new ministry that the Church has entrusted to me, to carry out this mission as Peter’s successor,” he declares during the visit, before returning to the square to greet the multitude of faithful, peering from windows and balconies.
“You have such a great gift, that of the presence of the Madonna, but it also means you have a great responsibility, like that of a mother with her children, you must also be faithful,” he urges. As the van ascends, Leone XIV bids farewell from the window, and the car continues its journey back to the Vatican. But before entering the Leonine Walls, the convoy makes one last – and highly significant – surprise stop. The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, just as Bergoglio did when he left Gemelli after his hospitalization. An homage to the tomb of his predecessor, with the white rose so dear to Francesco, and to the Salus Populi Romani. Before this icon, Francesco used to retreat in prayer before and after every trip. A symbolic passing of the torch under the gaze of the Madonna.
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