Thousands lined the roads to Genazzano as Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Nativity of Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel and placed a Golden Rose at Mary’s feet.
At the shrine about 30 miles east of Rome, Leo tied the visit to a lifelong devotion, saying Our Lady of Good Counsel had accompanied him throughout his life.
Drawing on St. Thomas of Villanova, the pope said Mary brings an “unexpected newness” to salvation history and that God’s kingdom advances through creation, service and care for life rather than arrogance.
Leo also urged contemplative prayer in “times of destruction and uncertainty,” saying peace must first grow within believers before it can “blossom in the world.”
The visit also revisited his May 10, 2025 stop at the shrine—two days after his election—which is now commemorated there by a fresco showing him at prayer.