By Burnett Munthali
Pope Leo XIV has made a moving and symbolic gesture of continuity and devotion in the early days of his papacy, visiting the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
This spiritual stop marked his first public appearance outside the Vatican since being elected as the new Supreme Pontiff.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV paused in solemn prayer before the tomb of Pope Francis and the revered icon of the Virgin Mary known as Salus Populi Romani, a historic Marian devotion site cherished by many Popes.
This moment recalled an earlier act of prayer when then-Cardinal Robert Prevost and members of the College of Cardinals visited the same basilica to pay homage at the tomb of Pope Francis shortly after it had been opened to the public on Divine Mercy Sunday.
The papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a centerpiece of Rome’s religious life, provided a fitting backdrop for the Pope’s quiet reflection and tribute.
Earlier that same Saturday, less than two days after his election, Pope Leo XIV undertook a private pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a town just outside the Italian capital.
He expressed that he had “greatly desired to come here in these first days of my new Ministry,” signaling the spiritual and pastoral tone he intends to set for his pontificate.
The Marian Shrine, administered by the Augustinian Order since 1200, houses an ancient and venerated image of the Virgin Mary believed to have originated from Shkodër, Albania.
This sacred image was especially beloved by Pope Leo XIII, establishing a spiritual lineage of Marian devotion that Pope Leo XIV now continues.
Arriving humbly in a Volkswagen multivan and seated in the front, Pope Leo was greeted by enthusiastic cheers from hundreds of faithful who lined the streets, balconies, and windows.
Shouts of “Leone, Leone!” echoed through the square as the Pope entered the shrine and was warmly welcomed by the Augustinian religious community.
Inside the church, Pope Leo XIV knelt in prayer before the altar and the sacred image of Mary, joined in reverence by the congregation.
Together with the faithful, he recited a prayer composed by Pope Saint John Paul II dedicated to the Mother of Good Counsel.
The atmosphere turned deeply meditative as he led the people in a Hail Mary and the traditional hymn Salve Regina.
After the prayers, Pope Leo addressed both those inside the shrine and the crowd outside, offering words of encouragement and unity to the people of Genazzano.
He shared personal memories of visiting the shrine following his election as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, a role that deeply shaped his vocation and devotion to Mary.
The Pope spoke passionately about entrusting his mission to the Blessed Mother and welcoming her guidance in the same spirit as the servants at the Wedding at Cana: “Whatever He tells you, do it.”
Following this public address, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with the Augustinian community to further deepen his spiritual connection to the Order.
Though Pope Leo XIII was unable to physically visit the Marian Shrine during his pontificate, he elevated it to the status of minor basilica in 1903, underscoring its importance in the life of the Church.
Subsequent Popes such as Saint John XXIII in 1959 and Saint John Paul II in 1993 also visited the shrine, further embedding it in papal tradition.
As Cardinal Prevost, Pope Leo XIV had already celebrated Mass at the Genazzano shrine on 25 April 2024, affirming his personal devotion to Mary and the shrine’s spiritual significance.
In his homily during that Mass, he had urged the faithful to emulate Mary’s example in spreading peace and reconciliation in a world increasingly divided and wounded.
These early actions of Pope Leo XIV—visiting a beloved Marian shrine and praying at the tomb of Pope Francis—reveal a Pope who deeply honors tradition, values humility, and is committed to Marian devotion and spiritual renewal.
They also serve as a profound message of continuity, hope, and prayerful leadership for the Catholic Church and the global community.
As his pontificate unfolds, Pope Leo XIV is clearly setting a tone of reverence, service, and trust in divine counsel, shaping the path for what may become a deeply pastoral and spiritually rooted papacy.
The faithful around the world will be watching closely as Pope Leo XIV continues his journey, grounded in prayer and guided by the wisdom of the Virgin Mother.
