Rome: Before retreating to Castel Gandolfo for his customary day of rest, Pope Leo XIV made a deeply symbolic evening visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he paused in prayer before the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
At approximately 8:05 p.m., the Pope entered the historic Marian basilica, one of the four major papal churches in Rome, to offer his personal homage. He approached the marble slab marking the resting place of Pope Francis a site where a single white rose is traditionally placed in remembrance of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” who held a profound place in the Argentine pontiff’s spirituality.
Pope Leo knelt in quiet reflection and placed a bouquet of white roses on the tomb, a gesture that combined reverence, continuity, and filial affection. The tomb lies between the Sforza Chapel and the Pauline Chapel the latter housing the revered icon of Salus Populi Romani, the “Protectress of the Roman People.” It was before this image that Pope Francis often prayed before and after his apostolic journeys or hospital stays, entrusting his missions to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope also stopped before the Marian icon for a moment of silent prayer, entrusting his papacy to Mary’s intercession. Pope Leo departed the basilica around 8:15 p.m. to continue his journey toward Castel Gandolfo.
Earlier in the day, the Holy Father presided over a solemn Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Eucharistic celebration was offered for the repose of Pope Francis and the cardinals and bishops who had died during the past year.
With evident emotion, Pope Leo recalled his predecessor’s final moments, saying, “He died after opening the Holy Door and imparting the Easter Blessing to Rome and to the world. This first celebration of the Jubilee thus carries the fragrance of Christian hope.”
In his homily, the Pontiff emphasized that Pope Francis and the recently departed churchmen “lived and bore witness to that hope which never disappoints a hope grounded in the Risen Christ.” The Mass, attended by members of the Roman Curia and the diplomatic corps, was marked by a spirit of gratitude and remembrance.
Pope Leo’s devotion to his predecessor has been evident since the earliest days of his pontificate. On May 10, just two days after his election to the See of Peter, he visited the tomb of Pope Francis to pray and offer flowers a gesture that resonated deeply with the faithful.
He returned again on June 22, following the Corpus Christi procession from St. John Lateran to St. Mary Major, repeating his simple act of prayer and remembrance.
These repeated visits underscore Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to honoring the spiritual legacy of Pope Francis a shepherd remembered for his humility, compassion, and Marian devotion. Each visit reaffirms the unbroken thread of faith and continuity that binds one pontificate to the next, united in service to God and to the People of God.