Home · Faith · Sep 7 archive
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, asking for guidance in making 'courageous and wise decisions' amid global conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV visited the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small town east of Rome, to celebrate an evening Mass and ask for guidance in making 'courageous and wise decisions,' according to reports. The visit, the second since his election, comes as he prays for peace and wise decisions, especially in light of recent violent attacks in Ukraine.
The shrine, entrusted to the Augustinians since the 14th century, holds special significance for Pope Leo, who has visited it many times before his papacy. Before Mass, a new fresco depicting the current Augustinian pope kneeling before the Marian image was unveiled.
In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the latest violent attacks in Ukraine, urging frankness and a gradual approach to resolving conflicts. He also highlighted the importance of praying together and building unity among Christians, as Jesus instructs in the Gospel passage.
The pope’s visit to the shrine coincides with ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He expressed hope that negotiations will bear fruit and open space for diplomacy, aligning with U.S.-led efforts to resume talks.
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 centre 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.
- “Let us ask her for her Good Counsel, so that we may welcome the divine Word, keep it within us, and bring it to light through courageous and wise decisions, decisions of authentic conversion,” he said.
- 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.
What's still developing
- 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.
- “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.
- Earlier, in his catechesis before leading pilgrims in the Marian prayer, Pope Leo reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:15-20), in which Jesus instructs his disciples in fraternal correction.
- 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.