This was Pope Leo XIV’s first surprise outing…
To a small town of 6,000 on the outskirts of Rome. They immediately welcomed him—many in tears.
In an unofficial and unscheduled visit, the Pope chose to go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, run by the Augustinians.
Back when he was Cardinal Provost, he used to come to this town to pray before the image of the Virgin. He fondly recalled his visit in 2001, after he was elected as the prior of his order.
Pope Leo XIV was accompanied by fellow Augustinian friars and by his brother, who had just arrived from the United States.
As the Pope exited the shrine, the atmosphere was electric…
He gave his blessing to those gathered, but only after expressing his gratitude to them.
Thank you all.
Long live Mary.
The next stop was St. Mary Major and the tomb of the late Pope Francis.
CA
Trans. CRT
