Full Breakdown
Pope Leo XIV Unveils a Fresco at the Genazzano Sanctuary
9/8/2026, 1:24:13 AM
The Unveiling of a New Fresco
On a Monday in September 2026, Pope Leo XIV revealed a fresco of himself praying that now decorates the upper cornice of the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in the medieval village of Genazzano, south of Rome. The unveiling preceded the celebration of Mass with his fellow Augustinian brothers. The portrait joins a small group of papal images that have been placed in the sanctuary over centuries, the earliest dating to Pope Urban VIII in 1630.
The Sanctuary’s Historical Role
The sanctuary, managed by Augustinian friars, has been a pilgrimage site since the 15th century. Pope Leo XIV’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, elevated the church to a minor basilica and expanded the adjoining convent in the early 1900s. The location holds particular significance for the Augustinian order, to which the new pope belongs; he had visited the site on May 10, 2025, just two days after his election, marking his first papal outing.
Pope Leo XIV’s Remarks and Future Activities
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV recalled the 2025 visit and expressed a “need and profound desire” to pray before the Madonna of Good Counsel, describing her as a lifelong source of maternal presence, wisdom, and love for Christ. He indicated that the Holy See’s autumn schedule is taking shape, noting an upcoming trip to France later this month and a planned journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.
Key Dates and Figures
- May 10, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV’s first papal visit to the Genazzano sanctuary.
- 1630 – First papal portrait (Pope Urban VIII) installed at the sanctuary.
- Early 1900s – Pope Leo XIII’s elevation of the church to a minor basilica.
- September 2026 – Unveiling of the new fresco.
The fresco serves as a lasting visual testament to Pope Leo XIV’s devotion to the sanctuary and signals the beginning of a busy autumn program for the Vatican.
