Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV made an unexpected spiritual journey on Wednesday, visiting one of Italy's oldest mountain shrines before travelling to two historic Benedictine monasteries, continuing a series of quiet pilgrimages during his summer stay at Castel Gandolfo.
The Pope left his summer residence early in the morning and travelled by car to the Shrine of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra. The shrine is built into the rocky slopes of Mount Autore and lies on the border between the Lazio and Abruzzo regions of central Italy. Situated more than 1,800 metres above sea level in the Simbruini Mountains, the sanctuary has long been a place of deep prayer and pilgrimage for Catholics from across Italy.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo spent time in silent prayer before the famous fresco of the Holy Trinity inside the shrine. He also greeted the faithful who had gathered there along with members of the religious community serving at the sanctuary.
The Shrine of the Holy Trinity has a rich history that stretches back many centuries. Every year, thousands of pilgrims make the challenging journey on foot to the mountain shrine, especially during the feast of Pentecost and for the Feast of Saint Anne, celebrated on July 26. Many pilgrims carry colourful banners as they climb the mountain in an expression of faith and devotion.
The sanctuary is known for its ancient cave chapel, which contains several historic frescoes. Among its most treasured artworks is a Byzantine image of the Holy Trinity showing three identical figures of Christ. At the entrance to the shrine stands the Chapel of Saint Anne, carved directly into the natural rock, making it one of the most unique places of worship in the region.
After leaving Vallepietra, Pope Leo continued his journey to the town of Subiaco, one of the most important centres of Benedictine spirituality. There he visited the Monastery of Saint Benedict, which is built around the Sacred Cave where Saint Benedict is believed to have lived as a hermit during the early years of his religious life.
Inside the monastery, the Pope paused for silent meditation before the famous thirteenth century fresco of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the earliest known images of the saint painted during or shortly after his lifetime. He then entered the Sacred Cave of Saint Benedict, where he followed a long standing tradition by kissing the knee of the saint's statue. Before leaving, Pope Leo joined those present in praying the Our Father.
The Holy Father later travelled to the nearby Monastery of Saint Scholastica, where he shared lunch with the Benedictine monks. He also spent time visiting the monastery's historic cloisters and convent buildings, which have served as important centres of monastic life, learning and prayer for many centuries.
The Vatican said the Pope returned to Castel Gandolfo after completing the visits.
Wednesday's journey comes just two days after another private pilgrimage made by Pope Leo XIV. On Monday, he travelled to the historic Abbey of Montecassino, the mother house of the Benedictine Order founded by Saint Benedict in the sixth century. During that visit, the Pope prayed especially for peace across the world, reflecting his repeated appeals for an end to conflicts and violence.
The latest visits highlight Pope Leo's desire to spend part of his summer break not only resting but also deepening his spiritual life through prayer at some of Italy's most important Christian sites. His visits were not announced in advance, allowing him to pray quietly and meet local religious communities away from large public ceremonies.
For many Catholics, the Pope's simple acts of prayer, reflection and fellowship with monastic communities offer a reminder of the importance of silence, faith and spiritual renewal. His surprise pilgrimages have also drawn attention to Italy's rich religious heritage, where ancient shrines and monasteries continue to welcome pilgrims seeking peace, hope and a deeper relationship with God.