Pope Leo XIV returned Monday to the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, a place of personal significance for the pontiff and his Augustinian religious order. During the visit, he unveiled a fresco commemorating his prayer at the sanctuary just two days after his 2025 election.
The fresco, now adorning an upper cornice of the basilica, depicts Leo XIV in prayer. The pontiff celebrated Mass with his fellow Augustinian friars and joins a tradition of popes whose visits to the sanctuary have been marked by commemorative portraits, with the earliest dating back to Pope Urban VIII in 1630.
Leo XIV's first outing as pope on May 10, 2025, was to this sanctuary. He had visited many times previously, as the site holds particular importance for his order. Managed by Augustinian friars, the sanctuary has been a pilgrimage destination since the 15th century. Pope Leo XIII, for whom the current pope is named, previously elevated the sanctuary to a minor basilica and expanded the adjacent convent in the early 1900s.
During his homily on Monday, which coincided with the commemoration of the birth of Mary, Leo XIV reflected on his 2025 visit. He recounted writing in the sanctuary's guest book about his profound desire to pray before the Madonna of Good Counsel, describing her as a "maternal presence" who has guided him with her "wisdom and example of love for her son."
The Vatican is increasing its public activities as the summer lull concludes. Preparations are underway for the Holy See's typically busy autumn schedule of conferences and audiences. Pope Leo XIV is also preparing for an upcoming trip to France at the end of the month, followed by a tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.