Pope Leo XIV Returns To Sacred Sanctuary, Calls For Peace And Unveils Fresco

Pope Leo XIV returned Monday to the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, where he prayed just two days after his election in 2025, and unveiled a new fresco depicting him in prayer.

The fresco now adorns an upper cornice of the basilica, creating a permanent reminder of Leo's personal connection to the sanctuary. He unveiled it before celebrating Mass with fellow Augustinian brothers at the medieval village's basilica southeast of Rome.

Leo first visited the sanctuary on May 10, 2025, in his first outing as pope. Before his election, he had visited the site many times because of its special significance to the Augustinian order, of which he is a member. The sanctuary is managed by Augustinian friars and has been a pilgrimage destination since the 15th century.

The pope's portrait joins those commemorating visits by several previous pontiffs, a tradition dating back to Pope Urban VIII in 1630. His namesake, Pope Leo XIII, elevated the sanctuary to a minor basilica and expanded the adjoining convent in the early 20th century.

During Monday's Mass, held on the eve of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Leo reflected on his first visit after becoming pope. He recalled writing in the sanctuary's guest book that he felt a deep desire to pray before the Madonna of Good Counsel, whom he said had accompanied him throughout his life.

This time, Leo used his homily to issue an appeal for peace, encouraging Christians to allow peace to grow within themselves so that it can extend to the wider world. He entrusted humanity to Mary's care, describing it as fragile but still a sign of God's faithfulness.

The visit comes as Vatican activity picks up following the summer lull. Leo is preparing for a trip to France later this month and a much-anticipated visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November, as the Holy See's autumn schedule of conferences and audiences takes shape.