Rome, Italy — In a deeply symbolic and moving gesture, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, by visiting his tomb at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The visit came shortly after Pope Leo formally assumed the role of Bishop of Rome, marking the beginning of his papal ministry with humility and reverence.
Pope Leo knelt in prayer before the tomb of Pope Francis and the venerated icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani—a treasured image that held special significance for the late pontiff. Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, had expressed a profound devotion to the icon during his lifetime. In a departure from tradition, he had chosen the Basilica of St. Mary Major as his final resting place, reflecting his Marian piety and personal connection to the Roman faithful.
The solemn visit was part of a broader tradition observed by new popes, who make pilgrimages to the four major papal basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major. These visits symbolize the pontiff’s spiritual and pastoral responsibilities to the Eternal City and the global Church.
Earlier that day, Pope Leo took possession of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Addressing the faithful gathered for the occasion, he proclaimed, “By special title, today I can say that for you and with you I am Roman!” His message emphasized a desire for communion with the people, underlining his commitment to leadership rooted in listening, understanding, and shared decision-making.
This Holy Year—a jubilee celebrated every 25 years—is expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. In light of this significant spiritual event, Pope Leo acknowledged the immense responsibility ahead, expressing both seriousness and passion for serving the people of Rome and the global Catholic community.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American and first Augustinian to be elected pope. His early actions as pontiff have already drawn praise for their emphasis on continuity, humility, and compassion—values that were hallmarks of Pope Francis’s transformative papacy.
As the Catholic Church looks to the future, Pope Leo’s respectful homage to Pope Francis signals a path forward that embraces tradition while responding to the evolving needs of the faithful with openness and grace.
