In his first journey outside the Vatican since his election, Pope Leo XIV made a deeply symbolic pilgrimage, blending reverence, tradition, and personal devotion. On Saturday evening, the newly elected pontiff visited two sacred sites—one in the heart of Rome, the other just outside its walls—where he offered prayers for guidance and strength as he begins his papal mission.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV stopped at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he spent time in silent prayer at the tomb of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. He also paused before the venerated icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, a traditional image long associated with papal devotion and Roman protection. This quiet act of homage marked his return to the same spot where, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, he had prayed just weeks earlier following Pope Francis’ burial.

Earlier in the day, the Pope had traveled to the Shrine of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a site dear to the Augustinian Order, to which he belongs. Greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic faithful, Pope Leo arrived in humble fashion—riding in a simple Volkswagen multivan and seated in the front seat—symbolizing his closeness to the people.

The Marian shrine, maintained by Augustinians since the 13th century, houses a revered image of the Virgin Mary, originally from Shkodër, Albania. It was a favored devotion of Pope Leo XIII, who elevated the sanctuary to the dignity of a minor basilica in 1903. Pope Leo XIV entered the sanctuary quietly, prayed before the altar, and knelt before the image of the Virgin. He joined the crowd in praying a Hail Mary and singing the Salve Regina, and then addressed the faithful inside and outside the church.

Drawing from his own past, Pope Leo reflected on his previous visit to the shrine after his election as Prior General of the Augustinian Order. Reaffirming his reliance on the Blessed Mother, he quoted her words at the Wedding at Cana: “Whatever He tells you, do it.” With this, the Pope publicly entrusted his pontificate to Mary’s guidance and counsel.

The visit concluded with a private meeting between Pope Leo and the Augustinian religious community.

This twofold pilgrimage—honoring the legacy of Pope Francis and embracing the spiritual strength of the Virgin Mary—underscored the character of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership: rooted in tradition, open to grace, and committed to unity and service in the Church.