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Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Love as a Decision at Genazzano Shrine Visit
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the importance of love as a decision and not just a feeling during his recent visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano.
In his homily, Pope Leo quoted from his first visit to the shrine, expressing his deep desire to visit and the maternal presence of the Virgin Mary, who has accompanied him throughout his life. He asked for the Virgin Mary's "Good Counsel" to help him welcome the divine Word and make courageous and wise decisions, reflecting his commitment to authentic conversion.
The visit also coincided with the release of a new edition of the youth catechism "YouCat," in which Pope Leo XIV reflects on the vocation to love. In the foreword, he writes that love is a "profound 'yes' to the other, a decision, a journey, and a lifelong covenant." This version of the catechism, aimed at young people preparing for marriage, is scheduled for release in November.
The pontiff's visit to Genazzano was not just a religious pilgrimage but also a reaffirmation of his commitment to the values of love and unity. "Through the gift of the Spirit, we have become children of God, sharers in the divine life, and from this communion with God flows our communion with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ," Pope Leo XIV said, highlighting the importance of unity within the Church and the world.
What's still developing
- September 8, 2026 By Courtney Mares OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV returned Sept.
- The visit was the second he has made to the basilica since becoming pope.
- 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 shrine holds special significance for Pope Leo, who visited many times prior to his election as pope.
- 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.
- Paul lists in the Letter to the Corinthians.” The pontiff writes that “we behold the most beautiful image of true love when we look at the cross of Jesus Christ,” which confirms that “he loves us so much that he was willing to die for us.
- “In revealing the heart of the Father, Christ shows us the deepest meaning of our existence, of our relationships, and the path to happiness,” the pope said.
- VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV explained why “giving witness to unity” is something close to his heart in a Sept.