Pope Leo XIV to Mark First Anniversary with Pilgrimage Honoring Our Lady of the Rosary
POMPEII — On May 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the first anniversary of his pontificate by traveling to the Marian city of Pompeii. The visit coincides with the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a centerpiece of devotion at the city’s world-renowned Shrine.
Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, the Pontifical Delegate for the Shrine, expressed profound gratitude for the visit, describing it as a "most special gift" that will transform the community into a "fortress of peace."
A Milestone Event
This marks the first papal visit to the region in over a decade, following Pope Francis in 2015. It also continues a tradition of papal pilgrimages established by Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
The day’s itinerary is packed with both symbolic and solemn events:
Charity First: The Pope will begin by meeting representatives of the "Temple of Charity," highlighting the Shrine’s social missions.
A Moveable Feast: He will traverse the city via popemobile to greet the crowds before meeting with the sick and elderly inside the Basilica.
Holy Eucharist: At 10:30 a.m., the Holy Father will preside over Mass in the square outside the Shrine.
The Supplica: Following Mass, he will lead the Supplica, a traditional prayer of entrustment to the Virgin Mary composed in 1883.
Spiritual and Civil Synergy
Archbishop Caputo noted that while logistical preparations involve intense cooperation between the Prefecture of Naples and local volunteers, the primary preparation remains spiritual.
"A visit by the Pope is prepared first of all through prayer, and especially in our Marian city through the Holy Rosary."
Addressing Modern Challenges
While Pompeii is a hub for millions of tourists and pilgrims, the Archbishop highlighted the "social challenges" facing the region, such as precarious employment and the difficulties young people face in starting families. He noted that the Shrine continues the legacy of its founder by investing in vocational training to help the local youth enter the workforce.
The Legacy of a New Saint
A highlight of the pilgrimage will be the Pope's prayer at the chapel of Saint Bartolo Longo, the Shrine’s founder who was canonized on October 19, 2025.
| Saint Bartolo Longo: A Profile |
| Canonized: October 2025 |
| Legacy: Known as the "Apostle of the Rosary" and a champion for the marginalized. |
| Global Reach: Devotion has surged since his canonization, particularly in Poland, India, and Latin America. |
| Message: A convert from a troubled youth, his life serves as a reminder that "no one is excluded from the love of God." |
Archbishop Caputo concluded that the Pope’s presence serves to confirm the faithful in their hope and provide "renewed impetus" to the city's works of charity.
Source - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pompeii-pope-leo-xiv-anniversary-pontificate-interview-archbisho.html
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