Pope Leo XIV celebrates Nativity of Mary at Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Nativity of Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. Thousands of people gathered along the roads to meet the pope, who was welcomed by members of the Augustinian order. Because the church could not hold everyone, crowds filled the streets of the town, located about 30 miles east of Rome.

During the visit, the pope presented a Golden Rose to place at the feet of the Virgin Mary. In the shrine's guest book, the pope previously noted that the presence of Our Lady of Good Counsel has accompanied him throughout his life through her wisdom and her example of love for her Son.

Reflecting on the feast, the pope quoted the Augustinian St. Thomas of Villanova, who questioned why the Evangelists did not provide more details regarding Mary's birth, upbringing, and her relationship with her Son and the apostles.