Pope Leo X makes a pilgrimage to the sanctuary situated close to Rome, marking his initial journey beyond the Vatican walls since assuming the pontificate.
PAPAL DEBUT: Pope Leo XIV Steps Out for a Mary Visit
In an unexpected move, Pope Leo XIV, the fresh face of the Catholic Church, decided to make his debut outside the Vatican walls on a chilly Saturday, zooming approximately an hour east of Rome to the quaint community of Genazzano.
The new shepherd, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States, appeared in a Volkswagen, arriving unannounced and causing quite a stir as crowds greeted him with thunderous cheers outside the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Fast-forward to May 10, 2025, and here we are. Leo, a faithful member of the Augustinian religious order, which manages the shrine in Genazzano, wasted no time making a powerful impression. He casually shook hands and bestowed blessings on a few lucky individuals in the crowd before entering the sanctuary.
[1] Pope Leo XIV's first official visit outside the Vatican was on May 10, 2025.[2] The shrine visited by Pope Leo XIV is called the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel.[3] Genazzano, a town located near Rome, was the destination for the visit.[4] During the return journey, Pope Leo XIV paid his respects at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
[1] On May 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the Pope of the Catholic Church, made his unannounced debut in the quaint town of Genazzano, east of Rome.
[2] The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, located in Genazzano, was the destination for Pope Leo XIV's first official visit outside the Vatican walls.
[3] The shrine in Genazzano, which is managed by the Augustinian religious order, became the center of attention as crowds cheerfully greeted the new Pope during his lifestyle visit.
