After taking possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major on 25 2025. The Pope venerated the icon of Mary, “Salus Populi Romani” (“Health of the Roman People”), which is traditionally attributed to St. John the Evangelist. Upon entering the basilica, he blessed the faithful with holy water and then prayed before the Marian icon, placing a bouquet of flowers at her feet.
During his prayer, Pope Leo XIV recalled that Mary is “all pure, all venerable, the finest offering humanity can present to God.” He asked Mary to guide the Church’s journey, protect the city of Rome, and extend her care to the whole world. “You guide the Church’s boat to a harbor of peace, steering away from dangers and overcoming storms,” he prayed. He also asked Mary to make him worthy of rejoicing with her, saying, “Source of joy for all, make me worthy of rejoicing with you.”
After praying before the icon, Pope Leo XIV visited the tomb of Pope Francis and paused to pray. Later, from the basilica’s balcony, he thanked the faithful gathered outside for their presence and devotion to Mary. He noted that this was a beautiful opportunity to renew their devotion to Mary, who has accompanied the people of Rome in times of need.
Pope Leo XIV asked the faithful to seek God’s blessing through Mary’s intercession, saying, “Let us ask God through the intercession of his mother to bless all of you, your families, your loved ones, and to help us all walk together in the Church.” He expressed his happiness to meet the faithful and thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their presence.