Pope Leo XIV: Mary’s Simple Presence — and Her Son Within Her — Moves all of History

In brief

Pope Leo XIV visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano to celebrate the Nativity of Mary. Thousands of people gathered along the roads and in the streets of the town, which is located about 30 miles east of Rome, to welcome the pope and the Augustinian community.

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 maternal 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 life of Mary, the pope cited the Augustinian St. Thomas of Villanova, who questioned why the Evangelists did not provide more details regarding Mary's conception, birth, upbringing, and her relationship with her Son and the apostles. The pope used this dialogue with Scripture to reflect on how Mary's presence affects history.