Pope Leo XIV made his first official trip outside the Vatican on Saturday, traveling to the Italian town of Genazzano, approximately an hour east of Rome, to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The unannounced visit saw the newly-elected pontiff arrive in a Volkswagen, where he was greeted by cheering crowds gathered at the Marian shrine.
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Leo XIV, formerly U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected Pope on May 8th. His visit to Genazzano holds particular significance as he is a member of the Augustinian religious order, which operates the shrine.
Upon arrival, Pope Leo XIV greeted members of the public, offering blessings and shaking hands before entering the shrine.
The visit is reminiscent of the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st and was known for his frequent, unannounced visits to Catholic sites in the vicinity of Rome. Pope Francis had a deep devotion to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, another Marian shrine, and chose it as his final resting place.
