Pope Leo XIV Unveils Fresco During Return to Sanctuary

Pope Leo XIV made a significant visit to the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, south of Rome, on Monday. He returned to this sacred site where he prayed shortly after his election as pope. On this occasion, he unveiled a fresco portraying himself in prayer, now featured on an upper cornice of the basilica.

The pope revealed the artwork before celebrating Mass alongside his Augustinian brothers at the sanctuary. This visit aligns him with a tradition of past popes, dating back to Pope Urban VIII in 1630, whose visits have been commemorated with portraits adorning the sanctuary’s walls.

Leo XIV first visited the sanctuary on May 10, 2025, two days post-election. This site holds special importance for the Augustinian order, which manages it. The sanctuary has attracted pilgrims since the 15th century. Pope Leo XIII, Leo XIV’s namesake, elevated the site to a minor basilica in the early 1900s and expanded its convent.

Upon arrival at the basilica, Leo XIV received a box of butterflies. During his homily, which marked the birth of Mary, he reflected on his 2025 visit, sharing thoughts from the sanctuary’s guest book. He expressed his profound desire to pray before the Madonna of Good Counsel, who he felt had guided him throughout his life with her wisdom and love for her son.

With the summer diminishment coming to an end, both Leo XIV and the Vatican are boosting their activities. The Holy See’s busy autumn schedule of conferences and audiences is being planned, alongside Leo XIV’s upcoming trips to France at month’s end, and to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.