Pope Leo XIV made his first trip outside the Vatican to visit the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy. The Pope prayed at the Marian shrine and also visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, where he prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis. The visit was a way for Pope Leo XIV to seek Mary's help in his new ministry and was greeted by a warm welcome from the community. The Pope expressed his desire to visit the shrine early in his papacy and recited prayers, emphasizing his trust in the Virgin Mary.
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Pope Leo XIV, in one of his first acts as Pope, made an unannounced pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano 1. The visit occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on May 10th 3. Genazzano is a small town located about an hour outside of Rome 1. The Pope's visit drew a crowd of approximately 100 people who gathered to greet him 1.
The Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel is significant to the Augustinian order, to which Pope Leo XIV belongs 1. The shrine houses an ancient image of the Virgin Mary 1. Pope Leo XIV prayed before the icon of the Mother of Good Counsel, reciting Pope John Paul II's prayer with those present 1 2. He expressed his deep trust in the Mother of Good Counsel, referring to her as a companion of "light and wisdom" 1 3.
Following his visit to Genazzano, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major 3. There, he paused to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis 2 3. He also prayed before the icon of Mary "Salus Populi Romani" (health of the Roman people) 3. Pope Leo XIV placed a white rose on Pope Francis' tomb, a gesture reminiscent of Pope Francis' funeral and his devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux 4.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel and the Basilica of St. Mary Major echoes the actions of previous Popes 4. The shrine was also visited by Pope John XXIII in 1959 and Pope John Paul II in 1993 7. Pope Francis had a strong devotion to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major 4. Pope Leo's choice of name also connects him to Pope Leo XIII 1.
There seems to be some confusion, as there was no Pope Leo XIV. However, Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano on April 22, 1993 . During his visit, he recited the Holy Rosary and spoke about the shrine's connection to Scutari, from where the image of Our Lady of Good Counsel is believed to have miraculously moved in 1467 to escape the Turkish invasion . He also mentioned his upcoming trip to Albania, a country that had suffered religious persecution .
Additionally, Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major on December 8, 1978, and spoke about the importance of the Virgin Mary in the Church . He reflected on the Second Vatican Council's Constitution "Lumen Gentium," which emphasizes Mary's role as Mother of the Church . He entrusted the Church to Mary, seeing her as the one in whom good triumphs over evil . He also highlighted the significance of Mary as "Salus Populi Romani" (Salvation of the Roman People) and her role in leading people to Christ .