Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Sunday evening, marking a deeply symbolic moment in his young papacy with a gesture of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the revered icon Salus Populi Romani, the new Bishop of Rome offered prayers and encouragement to the faithful, emphasizing unity, prayer, and the enduring protection of the Mother of God.
“Brothers and sisters, peace be with you!” the Pope greeted the crowd gathered outside the basilica, his voice calm but warm as he addressed his fellow Romans for the first time in this particular sacred space.
“Thank you for being here, in front of this Basilica… when we celebrate, all gathered, as members of the Diocese of Rome, the presence of its new Bishop,” he said. “I am very happy to find all of you here and thank you very much.”
The Basilica of St. Mary Major houses the historic icon Salus Populi Romani (“Protectress of the Roman People”), which has long been a symbol of Marian devotion in the Eternal City. Like his predecessor Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV made it one of his first official stops, highlighting its spiritual importance.
The Pope expressed gratitude to those who care for the basilica and assist the faithful in approaching the Virgin Mary in prayer and devotion. “It is a wonderful opportunity to renew this devotion to Mary… who has so often accompanied the people of Rome in their needs,” he said.
The Holy Father led the crowd in reciting the Ave Maria and imparted a blessing on those present and their families.
“Let us ask God, through the intercession of His Mother, to bless all of you, your families, your loved ones, and help us all to walk together in the Church, united as the one family of God,” he said.
The visit served as both a continuation of tradition and a signal of the Pope’s pastoral style—rooted in simplicity, closeness to the people, and a deep Marian spirituality.
Remarks by the Holy Father following his visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major and veneration of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary ‘Salus Populi Romani’
“Brothers and sisters, peace be with you!
Good evening to all. Thank you for being here! Thank you for being here, in front of this Basilica, this afternoon, this evening, when we celebrate, all gathered, as members of the Diocese of Rome, the presence of its new Bishop. I am very happy to find all of you here and thank you very much.
I thank all those who work in this Basilica, the two Cardinals who accompany me this evening and the many people who are dedicated to helping us to live our life of prayer, devotion, and who above all help us to approach the Mother of Jesus, to the Mother of God, Mary Most Holy. It is a wonderful opportunity to renew this devotion to Mary, Salus Popoli Romani, who has so often accompanied the people of Rome in their needs.
Let us ask God, through the intercession of his Mother, to bless all of you, your families, your loved ones and help us all to walk together in the Church, united as the one family of God.
Let’s say together:
[Hail Mary, full of Grace…]
[Benediction]
Good evening to all and many thanks!”