Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, praying before the sacred icon of Salus Populi Romani and thanking its faithful caretakers. After celebrating Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope prayed in the Pauline Chapel and paused to honor his predecessor’s tomb.
In a call to renew devotion to Mary, the Pope expressed gratitude for those serving in the basilica and encouraged the faithful to cultivate a relationship with the Mother of God. He invoked her intercession to bless families, loved ones, and the Church community as one family of God.
The Holy Father led the faithful in praying the Hail Mary and extended his Apostolic Blessing before concluding the event with wishes for a good evening and heartfelt thanks to those gathered.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-leo-xiv-let-us-renew-our-devotion-to-mary.html