Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in the Italian city of Pompeii on May 8, marking the first anniversary of his pontificate. During the service, he reflected on the ongoing wars affecting nations worldwide and prayed for God's overflowing mercy to fill hearts and lead to global peace. The Pope emphasized the importance of peace in contemporary society from the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.
In his address, Pope Leo noted that he chose to visit Pompeii because he was elected Pope on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. He expressed gratitude for the protection of the Blessed Virgin, stating, "I therefore had to come here, to place my service under the protection of the Blessed Virgin." He highlighted the historical significance of St. Bartolo Longo and Countess Marianna Farnararo De Fusco, whose efforts laid the foundations for the Shrine situated on Mount Vesuvius.
Pope Leo XIV echoed sentiments from his predecessor, St. John Paul II, recalling the need to proclaim Christ's message in a society increasingly distancing itself from Christian values. He quoted John Paul II's remarks made at the Shrine in 2003, stating, "Today, as in the times of ancient Pompeii, it is necessary to proclaim Christ to a society that is distancing itself from Christian values and is even losing the memory of them."
The Pope elaborated on the significance of the Hail Mary prayer, describing it as an invitation to joy and a reminder of God’s mercy entering a world wounded by sin. He affirmed that prayer, particularly the Rosary, is essential for renewing love for God and leads to the Eucharist, which he called "the source and summit of all Christian life." He remarked, "The Rosary has a Marian form, but a Christological and Eucharistic heart."
During his address, the Pope described the prayer of the Rosary as a means to reach mystical heights while embodying core Christian theology. He highlighted the importance of the mysteries of Christ, noting, "For what is more essential than the mysteries of Christ, than His holy Name, pronounced with the tenderness of the Virgin Mother?" Pope Leo reiterated the significance of focusing on global issues through the lens of the Rosary, particularly the family and the pursuit of peace.
Pope Leo XIV called on his audience to pray for peace, acknowledging the numerous conflicts that persist globally. "Peace is born within the heart," he stated, lamenting the grim images of violence often depicted in the news. He encouraged everyone to pray the Rosary for peace, expressing hope that God’s divine power of love would rescue the world. He concluded his homily by invoking Mary’s intercession, saying, "Through [Mary’s] intercession, may there come from the God of peace an overflowing outpouring of mercy, touching hearts, calming resentment and fratricidal hatred, and enlightening those who bear special responsibilities of government."
