Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at Genazzano sanctuary

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio in Genazzano on September 7, 2026. During the service, which coincided with the eve of the Nativity of Mary, the Pope called on the faithful to view Mary as the ‘dawn of a new world’ and an example of how to embrace and live out the Word of God through courageous and wise decisions.

The visit marks a return to a site with which the Pope has had a long-standing connection since the 1980s. During the event, a new painting was inaugurated, depicting Pope Leo XIV in prayer before the Marian image. The sanctuary, managed by the Augustinian Order, holds a historical significance dating back to 1467 and features portraits of past popes who have visited the shrine, including Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.