BREAKING: First American Pope Leo XIV Honors Augustinian Roots with a Surprise Visit to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel Near Rome

Pope Leo XIV’s First Journey as Pontiff: A Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano

Published on May 11, 2025

GENAZZANO, Italy — On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, made his inaugural trip outside Rome since his election just two days prior. The destination was the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small town near Rome, where hundreds gathered to welcome the newly elected pope. This visit, marked by prayer, reflection, and a deep connection to the Augustinian Order, set a symbolic tone for Leo XIV’s papacy, emphasizing humility, Marian devotion, and a missionary spirit.

A Historic Papacy Begins with a Meaningful Journey

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, following the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the cardinals’ decision. The 69-year-old former cardinal, known for his global experience as a missionary in South America and his recent role in the Vatican’s office for bishop appointments, chose the name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who addressed social issues during the Industrial Revolution. In his first remarks as pope, Leo XIV invoked the peace of the risen Christ, saying, “May the peace be with you,” a message that resonated deeply during his visit to Genazzano.

The Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel, managed by the Order of Saint Augustine, holds special significance for Leo XIV, who is the first Augustinian friar to ascend to the papacy. The shrine houses an ancient fresco of the Virgin Mary, a cherished image that miraculously appeared in Genazzano in 1467, believed to have originated from Shkodër, Albania. This image, revered as a symbol of guidance and wisdom, has drawn pilgrims for centuries, including previous popes like John XXIII and John Paul II. For Leo XIV, who had visited the shrine as a cardinal on April 25, 2024, the return as pontiff was a deeply personal moment. “I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new Ministry that the Church has given me, to carry forward this mission as the Successor of Peter,” he told the gathered faithful.

A Warm Welcome in Genazzano

The pope arrived at the shrine shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, traveling in a modest black Volkswagen van, seated beside the driver—a gesture reflecting the simplicity often associated with his Augustinian roots. Accompanied by a motorcade with Vatican security, Leo XIV was met by hundreds of people gathered in the square in front of the shrine. The crowd, filled with anticipation, erupted into cheers of “Leo, Leo” as the pontiff stepped out, his presence bringing a sense of joy and unity to the small town.

Inside the basilica, Pope Leo XIV was greeted by members of the Augustinian religious community. He paused to pray first at the altar and then before the ancient image of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Good Counsel. In a poignant moment, he recited Pope John Paul II’s prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel, a devotion that underscores Mary’s role as a source of wisdom and guidance for the faithful. The pope then led those present in a recitation of the Ave Maria and the singing of the Salve Regina, traditional hymns that echoed through the sacred space.

A Message of Responsibility and Devotion

At the conclusion of his visit, Pope Leo XIV appeared at the door of the basilica to address the crowd, both inside the church and those gathered outside. His words were heartfelt, reflecting the joy he felt in being able to pray at the shrine. “It is such a great gift for the people of Genazzano,” he said, referring to the presence of the sacred image. But he also emphasized the responsibility that comes with this gift: “Just as the Mother never abandons her children, you must also be faithful to the Mother.”

The pope’s message resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom were moved by his call to remain steadfast in their devotion to the Virgin Mary. He also took a moment to connect with the younger members of the audience, saying, “We are all young at heart!” before offering a blessing to those present. The warmth and accessibility of his demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Genazzano, who felt a personal connection to the new pontiff.

A Papacy Rooted in Augustinian Values

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel is not only a reflection of his personal spirituality but also a nod to his Augustinian identity. As the first Augustinian friar to become pope, Leo XIV brings a unique perspective to the papacy, one rooted in the order’s emphasis on communal life, humility, and service. The Augustinians, founded on the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo, have historically focused on living simply and serving their communities, values that Leo XIV has carried throughout his career.

Before his election, Prevost spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru, a role that shaped his understanding of the global church. “I still consider myself a missionary,” he told Vatican News in a previous interview. “My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.” This missionary zeal was evident in his choice of Genazzano as his first destination, a place where he could connect with the faithful on a personal level while honoring the traditions of his order.

The shrine itself holds historical significance for the Augustinian Order, as the image of Our Lady of Good Counsel has long been a source of inspiration for its members. Pope Leo XIII, whom Leo XIV admires, elevated the shrine to the status of a minor basilica in 1903, though he never had the chance to visit. Leo XIV’s pilgrimage thus fulfills a centuries-old connection between the papacy and this sacred site, reinforcing the enduring importance of Marian devotion in the Catholic faith.

Looking Ahead: A Papacy of Service and Social Teaching

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Genazzano comes at a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, as it navigates modern challenges such as technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and the defense of human dignity—issues the pope himself referenced when explaining his choice of papal name. Inspired by Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social questions of the Industrial Revolution, Leo XIV has signaled his intention to engage with contemporary issues through the lens of the Church’s social teaching.

In his address to the cardinals on the morning of May 10, before his trip to Genazzano, the pope praised his predecessor, Pope Francis, for his “complete dedication to service and sober simplicity of life.” Leo XIV expressed his desire to continue this legacy, saying, “Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith.” His actions in Genazzano—choosing a modest mode of travel, engaging directly with the faithful, and emphasizing prayer and devotion—suggest that his papacy will be one of humility and closeness to the people.

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his ministry, his first journey outside Rome serves as a powerful symbol of his priorities: a commitment to the marginalized, a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, and a desire to lead with the humility of an Augustinian friar. For the people of Genazzano, and for Catholics around the world, this visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Church’s history—one led by a pope who bridges the Americas and the Vatican, tradition and modernity, with a heart rooted in service and faith.

Additional reporting from ABC News and Vatican Media. For more on Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, tune in to “The American Pope: Leo XIV,” a special edition of “20/20,” on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+.