Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace During Visit to Pompeii

Pompeii, Italy, May 8, 2026: Pope Leo XIV marked the first anniversary of his pontificate with a pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples, where he prayed for peace and urged world leaders to reject hatred and violence.

Celebrating Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, the Pope entrusted his ministry to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and reflected on the spiritual importance of the Rosary in Christian life.

Recalling his election on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, Pope Leo said his visit carried special significance. He also highlighted the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for promoting devotion to the Holy Rosary.

During his homily, the Pope reflected on the Annunciation and described the Rosary as a prayer deeply rooted in salvation history, leading believers closer to Jesus and the Eucharist. He said generations of Christians have been spiritually formed through the Rosary, which contains “the most essential Christian theology”.

Pope Leo also remembered the founders of the Pompeii Shrine, St. Bartolo Longo and Countess Marianna Farnararo De Fusco, and echoed the words of St. John Paul II, who had called for renewed proclamation of Christ in societies drifting away from Christian values.

Turning to global conflicts, the Pope expressed sorrow over the wars continuing across the world and called for greater political, economic, spiritual and religious commitment to peace.

“Peace is born within the heart,” Pope Leo said, warning against becoming indifferent to the “images of death” seen daily in the news.

He urged the faithful to pray the Rosary for peace and prayed that God would calm “resentment and fratricidal hatred” while enlightening those entrusted with responsibilities of government.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Pope prayed for an “overflowing outpouring of mercy” upon the world.

Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace During Visit to Pompeii

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