Pope Leo presented a new fresco to the public during a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a medieval town south of Rome. The pope made the visit on May 10, 2025, just two days after his election to the papacy and before he had taken any major public steps as leader of the Catholic Church. The sanctuary is managed by Augustinian friars and has served as a place of pilgrimage for more than five hundred years. Pope Leo XIII, the namesake of the current pope, had elevated the site to a minor basilica and enlarged the nearby convent in the early 1900s.
During a homily at the same sanctuary on September 7, 2026, Pope Leo referred back to his earlier visit in 2025, according to CBS News. He noted that the Church is increasing its activities now as summer draws to a close, with major events and audiences scheduled for the autumn. Leo is preparing for a trip to France at the end of September and has also planned a visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.
The pope celebrated Mass with his fellow Augustinian brothers during the visit to Genazzano on September 7, 2026. The sanctuary is known for its historical significance and has been a site of religious importance since the fifteenth century. It was during this Mass that Pope Leo officially unveiled the fresco, marking an important moment in his early papal activities.
The event was attended by Augustinian friars and other religious figures, highlighting the connection between Leo and his spiritual community. Leo's visit was part of a broader effort to engage with different regions of the Church and to show that his papacy is focused on both local and global concerns. The sanctuary’s role in the Church’s history was emphasized by Leo, who spoke of its importance to the Augustinian order and to the faithful.
The fresco unveiled at the site was a visual representation of Leo’s commitment to continuing the traditions and missions of past popes. The timing of the event, just before the autumn season of Church activities, suggested that Leo is actively preparing for a busy schedule ahead. Leo’s return to the sanctuary in 2026 was symbolic of his ongoing connection with the Augustinian community and the spiritual roots of his papacy.
The basilica’s status as a minor basilica, established by Pope Leo XIII, was a reminder of the long-standing reverence for this place. The pope’s actions during his visit demonstrated that he is focused on maintaining and expanding the Church’s presence in key historical locations. The event also served as a public statement of Leo’s intention to be active and visible in the Church's upcoming initiatives.
By celebrating Mass and unveiling the fresco, Leo reinforced his role as a spiritual leader who values tradition while preparing for future challenges. The visit also highlighted the importance of the Augustinian order in Leo’s own spiritual background and his continued relationship with them. It was clear that this moment in Genazzano was not only a celebration of art but also a reflection on the pope’s vision for the Church.
Leo's actions in Genazzano were part of a larger effort to connect with the faithful and to show the Church’s ongoing relevance. The fresco unveiled at the sanctuary was a visual reminder of Leo’s commitment to honoring past popes and their contributions. The site's long history made the event particularly meaningful, as it connected Leo’s papacy to centuries of religious tradition.
The pope’s presence at the sanctuary was a sign that he values the Church's historical roots and is working to keep them alive. His homily and the unveiling of the fresco together formed a powerful statement about Leo’s approach to leadership and spiritual guidance. The event in Genazzano was not only about the fresco itself but also about Leo’s desire to show that he is deeply connected to the Church’s past and future.
The pope's return to this place of pilgrimage showed his commitment to continuing the traditions that have shaped the Church for centuries. Leo’s visit was a moment of reflection and forward-looking action, showing his intention to lead with both reverence and purpose.