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Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace and Wise Decisions at Marian Shrine
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV visited the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, asking for guidance to make 'courageous and wise decisions' amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During his visit to the shrine, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the recent violent attacks in Ukraine and called for peace through diplomatic efforts. He also emphasized the importance of honest communication and prayer in resolving conflicts. The visit, which marks the second time Pope Leo has visited the shrine since his election, underscores its significance in his spiritual journey.
The pope, who has a deep devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel, prayed before the revered image and presented a golden rose, a traditional papal gift. He also reflected on the Gospel passage of Matthew 18:15-20, encouraging Christians to follow Jesus' instructions on fraternal correction.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV asked Our Lady of Good Counsel for her 'Good Counsel' to help bring God's word to light through 'courageous and wise decisions.' He expressed hope that ongoing negotiations will bear fruit and open space for diplomacy, aligning with U.S.-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
The shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary since the 14th century, has a rich history of drawing pilgrims, including several popes. Pope Leo's visit highlights the enduring significance of the Marian shrine in guiding the pontiff's decisions and prayers.
What's confirmed
- “As you may remember, ‘in the early days of my pontificate, I felt the duty and a deep desire to visit Genazzano, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, who has accompanied me throughout my life with her maternal presence, her wisdom and the example of her love for her Son, who is always the center of my faith,'” the pope said at the start of his homily, quoting words he wrote in the shrine’s guest book on his first visit.
- Pope Leo recalled how he previously made a surprise visit to the shrine just days after his election in the May 2025 conclave to pray before the image of the Virgin Mary to whom he has long been devoted.
- The Augustinian Province of Chicago, where then-Robert Prevost entered religious life, was dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel, and he has visited the Genazzano sanctuary for decades since his first visit while studying in Rome in the early 1980s.
What's still developing
- “With a sorrowful heart, I have followed the news of the latest violent attacks that have recently struck several cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, causing the deaths of innocent people,” the pope told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, following the recitation of the Angelus.
- “This is a delicate art, too often forgotten, that calls for frankness and a gradual approach. Speaking honestly with one another — first face to face, then, if necessary, with two or three others, and finally, when required, with the whole community — means facing reality and transforming problems and conflicts into opportunities for growth. Complaining and speaking ill of others are easier, but they accomplish nothing and leave many situations paralyzed,” the pope said.
- The pope also said that praying together, as Jesus encourages in the Gospel passage, builds unity among Christians.
- The shrine, entrusted to the Augustinians since the 14th century, has drawn many pilgrims over the centuries, among them several popes, including Urban VIII, Pius IX, John XXIII and John Paul II, who are depicted in frescoes on the walls of the basilica.
- Pope Leo arrived in Genazzano shortly after 5 p.m.
- The Pope travelled to Genazzano, a small town about 56 kilometres east of Rome, to celebrate an evening Mass at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel on the vigil of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Before Mass, a new fresco on the wall of the basilica was unveiled depicting the current Augustinian pope kneeling before the Marian image.
- Pope Leo XIV asks Our Lady of Good Counsel for aid to make ‘courageous and wise decisions’ (By Courtney Mares, OSV News ) Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile.