Pope Leo XIV unveiled a new fresco depicting himself praying at the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, on Monday. The portrait, which now adorns an upper cornice of the basilica, commemorates his first visit to the sanctuary just two days after his election on May 10, 2025.
The fresco joins a small number of papal portraits at the sanctuary, dating back to Pope Urban VIII in 1630. Leo celebrated Mass with fellow Augustinian brothers at the medieval basilica, which holds special significance for his religious order. The sanctuary, managed by Augustinian friars, has been a pilgrimage site since the 15th century.
During his homily, Leo referenced his 2025 visit, recalling his entry in the sanctuary’s guest book. He wrote then of his "need and profound desire" to pray before the Madonna of Good Counsel, whom he described as having "accompanied me all my life with her maternal presence." The basilica commemorates the birth of Mary, and Leo’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, elevated it to a minor basilica in the early 1900s.
The Vatican indicated an uptick in activities following the summer lull, with Leo preparing for a trip to France later in the month. The Holy See’s autumn schedule includes conferences and audiences, signaling a return to a busier period of papal engagements.