VATICAN CITY — In his first public appearance since ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV made a deeply symbolic pilgrimage on Saturday afternoon to the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a Marian shrine located south of Rome and revered by his own Augustinian order.
The visit marked a significant spiritual gesture and reaffirmed the new pope’s devotion to his religious roots, as well as his connection to his papal namesake, Pope Leo XIII, who also shared a strong bond with the sanctuary. The current pontiff, who was elected less than two weeks ago, was warmly welcomed by crowds of faithful as he made his way to the historic pilgrimage site.
A Personal and Spiritual Pilgrimage
The sanctuary of Madre del Buon Consiglio (Mother of Good Counsel) holds profound religious and historical importance. Managed by the Augustinian friars, the site has drawn pilgrims from around the world since the 15th century. Pope Leo XIV, himself an Augustinian, chose it as the destination for his first official visit outside the Vatican.
“This place has shaped my vocation and my understanding of divine wisdom,” Pope Leo XIV said, addressing the gathered faithful after praying at the sanctuary. “The Mother of Good Counsel has always been a guiding light for those who seek to serve with humility and courage. Today, I come here not as a pope, but as a son of Mary and of St. Augustine.”
The pope spent time in quiet prayer within the sanctuary before emerging to greet residents and pilgrims who had assembled in the square. Many had waited hours for a glimpse of the new pontiff, whose election earlier this month brought a wave of excitement across the Catholic world.
“He looked very peaceful and humble,” said Luisa Giannetti, a Genazzano resident. “For us, this visit is a great honour. We feel deeply connected to the pope’s spiritual journey.”
Historical Legacy of the Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel is closely tied to Pope Leo XIII, one of the most influential pontiffs of the 19th century, who not only had a deep devotion to the Madonna venerated there but also elevated the site to the status of a minor basilica. He also commissioned the expansion of the adjacent Augustinian convent, enhancing its role as a place of retreat and theological study.
The image of Our Lady housed in the sanctuary is believed by the faithful to be miraculous, and countless pilgrims have visited over centuries to seek counsel and healing. The icon, painted on delicate plaster, has survived wars, natural disasters, and political upheaval, becoming a powerful symbol of resilience and divine guidance.
Symbolism and Continuity
Pope Leo XIV’s pilgrimage underscores his intention to continue and build upon the spiritual legacy of his predecessor Leo XIII, known for his intellectual leadership and social teachings. By selecting Genazzano as the destination of his first pastoral visit, the pope sent a message of continuity, humility, and dedication to Mary, whose counsel he said is needed “now more than ever” in a world troubled by war, division, and spiritual confusion.
“Like Pope Leo XIII, I pray that this sanctuary continues to be a refuge for those seeking clarity and peace,” he said in his brief address. “Let us always turn to the Mother of Good Counsel in times of uncertainty.”
Connection to the Augustinian Order
As a member of the Order of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV has long emphasized themes of interior reflection, communal harmony, and the pursuit of truth — all hallmarks of Augustinian spirituality. His visit to a site managed by his order was seen as a reaffirmation of those values, as well as a humble return to the roots of his religious formation.
“Augustinian values such as love, community, and wisdom have guided me for decades,” he shared. “This visit renews my commitment to lead the Church with the heart of a servant and the mind of a seeker.”
Fr. Paolo Benedetti, an Augustinian friar stationed at the sanctuary, praised the pope’s gesture.
“His Holiness is not only a pope but a brother to us,” he said. “This visit has uplifted the entire Augustinian community. It is a beautiful confirmation of our shared mission.”
Unexpected Stop at St. Mary Major
On his return to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced stop at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the major Marian basilicas in Rome. There, he paused to pray at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, further emphasizing his devotion to the saints who have shaped the Catholic tradition through humility and compassion.
The Vatican later confirmed the detour, saying the pope “wished to entrust his new mission to the protection of the Blessed Virgin and to honor the humble legacy of St. Francis.”
A Gentle Start to a New Papacy
Observers note that Pope Leo XIV’s first public outing, while modest in scale, offers a clear window into his priorities as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His decision to begin with a spiritual pilgrimage rather than a political visit or public audience was seen as a meaningful act of humility and faith.
“Pope Leo XIV is showing that prayer and tradition are at the core of his mission,” said Vatican analyst Maria Chiara Rossi. “It sets a tone for a papacy that values contemplation, continuity, and care for the soul.”
With his first major appearance complete, the new pontiff is expected to meet with global faith leaders and Vatican officials in the coming days. But for many Catholics, his quiet journey to a Marian shrine speaks louder than any speech.
“His first steps as pope were towards the Madonna,” said one elderly pilgrim in Genazzano. “That tells us everything we need to know.”
