Marking the first anniversary of his pontificate on May 8, 2026, Leo XIV is spending the day in Pompeii, at the Marian shrine he already mentioned on the day of his election. There, he described the Rosary as the "hidden driving force" that makes "everything else possible."
On Friday, the Pontiff travelled by helicopter to Pompeii, a town some 155 miles southeast of Rome. This papal shrine, a major centre of Marian devotion much favored by popes, has since 1883 promoted the “Supplication” to the Virgin Mary, a prayer recited at midday every May 8 and every first Sunday in October.
The Pope’s first stop upon arrival was dedicated to the dozen or so charitable organizations active in Pompeii, working with young people, single mothers, families in difficulty, and the sick and disadvantaged. Some 400 people were present at this meeting.
After various testimonies, including that of a couple who had adopted a severely disabled daughter, Leo XIV paid tribute to the founder of this place, St. Bartolo Longo (1841–1926), whom he canonized October 19 last year. In a region plagued by "so much misery" this Italian man, who had converted after a dissolute life, knew “how to see the face of Christ in everyone, especially in orphans and the children of prisoners,” the Pope declared.
“Love works miracles”
Rejecting the prejudices of the time, which held that “these young people were destined for the same fate as their parents," Bartolo Longo was certain “that love can lead even the most difficult young people to do good and that […] only charity guarantees sure, great, and definitive victories.”
“He was right,” the Pope remarked, affirming that “love works miracles that go far beyond any effort or expectation.”
Addressing the educators, Leo XIV urged them to be “credible role models and wise guides for this wonderful youth.” And turning to the young people, he presented Jesus to them as “the Friend who never abandons or rejects us, the Brother who understands us and who always walks with us.”
The head of the Catholic Church also encouraged the Rosary as “the hidden driving force that makes everything else possible.” From this shrine dedicated to Our Lady, he called for the spread of this devotion “which transforms our lives.”
The Pope went in a golf cart through the crowd of some 5,000 people who welcomed him with jubilation. He then spent some time in prayer in the basilica, and afterward met with around 1,000 of the elderly and disabled.
“I feel I am the first to be blessed to be able to come here to the shrine of Our Lady on this day of supplication and on this anniversary,” he said, offering a few impromptu words of greeting into the microphone.
After taking the time to walk among and bless the faithful, the Pope went out onto the forecourt to celebrate Mass – despite the cloudy sky.
