Welcome Pope Leo XIV: A Journey of Faith and Devotion
During his inaugural visit outside the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Here, he paused to pray at the revered icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani and paid his respects at the tomb of the late Pope Francis.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The Holy See Press Office reported that on his return journey to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV made a poignant stop at St. Mary Major. It was a moment of solemn reflection as he knelt in prayer before the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and the iconic image of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani.
His visit to St. Mary Major marked a significant moment, reminiscent of the late afternoon of the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday. At that time, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, accompanied by fellow Cardinals, led a prayerful gathering at the papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major to honor the memory of Pope Francis.
Earlier that Saturday, less than 48 hours after his papal election, Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first external visit. His destination was the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, just outside Rome. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his deep desire to visit this sacred place early in his pontificate.
Discovering the Augustinian Heart
Upon his arrival at the shrine, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by the Augustinian community, custodians of the sanctuary since 1200. The Pope’s private visit at 4:00 PM was a moment of introspection and spiritual connection.
Within the sacred walls of the shrine lies an ancient image of the Virgin Mary, originating from Shkodër, Albania, a cherished symbol dear to Pope Leo XIII. The Pope’s presence, seated in a Volkswagen multivan, ignited a wave of excitement among the hundreds of faithful gathered in the square, their cheers reverberating through the air.
A Faithful Encounter
As Pope Leo XIV entered the church, the streets resounded with cries of “Leone, Leone” from the jubilant crowd. Encountering the Augustinian religious, the Pope paused in prayer before the altar and the sacred image of the Virgin. Together with the faithful present, he recited the prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel, penned by Pope St. John Paul II.
Concluding the visit, Pope Leo XIV led a Hail Mary and the Salve Regina, addressing the church attendees and the townspeople of Genazzano outside. His words resonated with a sense of mission entrusted to the Blessed Mother, urging all to heed her counsel.
After a private meeting with the Augustinian community, Pope Leo XIV set off on a journey of faith, marked by a deep connection to the Mother of Good Counsel. His visit to the shrine mirrored a historic tradition, with previous Popes like St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II also making pilgrimages to this revered sanctuary.
Though Pope Leo XIII never visited the Marian Shrine in Genazzano, he elevated it to the status of a minor basilica in 1903. The shrine holds a special place in the hearts of many, including Pope Leo XIV, who celebrated Mass there during his cardinal days in 2024.
As the Pope’s journey of faith unfolds, his devotion to the Blessed Mother and his commitment to spreading peace and reconciliation echo the sentiments shared by his predecessors. With each prayer and pilgrimage, Pope Leo XIV embraces his pontificate with a spirit of humility and reverence, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Mother of Good Counsel.
