On May 4, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will mark the first anniversary of his election in the Marian city of Pompeii, along with Naples, for his first visit to Italy. The choice of this location is no coincidence: from the very day of his election, May 8, 2025, the Pontiff mentioned the Supplication to Our Lady, recited solemnly on that date. Monsignor Tommaso Caputo, Archbishop-Prelate of Pompeii, explained that the Pope's heart is driven by a burning desire for the unity of the Church and peace in the world.
The visit will also be an occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of the Sanctuary, which took place on May 8, 1876. That temple, built on a desolate land inhabited by a few farmers plagued by brigands and malaria, has today become an international center of Marian spirituality and a symbol of peace and brotherhood. A sign of hope reminding us that God can transform even the most difficult situations.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
The Meaning of the Supplication and Prayer for Peace
The Supplication to Our Lady of the Rosary, composed by Saint Bartolo Longo, is a prayer that invokes the protection of the Virgin Mary for the Church and the entire world. In a time marked by conflicts and divisions, the Pope wanted to emphasize the importance of the Rosary as an antidote to the madness of war. As Monsignor Caputo said: "We must not give in to discouragement. The hope for peace must remain a living flame, sustained by our prayer."
The Rosary is a simple yet powerful prayer that unites us with Mary and helps us contemplate the mysteries of Christ's life. Praying the Rosary means entrusting our worries to God and opening our hearts to His will for peace. In a world torn by war and violence, this prayer becomes an act of spiritual resistance and a concrete commitment to reconciliation.
The Basilica Facade and the Inscription PAX
A particularly significant element is the facade of the Basilica of Pompeii, which Saint Bartolo Longo wanted to dedicate to universal peace. At the top stands a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, at whose feet is written in large letters: "PAX." This call to peace is a prophetic message for our time, an invitation never to surrender to the logic of war.
The Pope, together with the faithful, will pray right in front of this facade, asking for the intercession of Our Lady for the unity of the Church and peace in the world. It will be a moment of great spiritual intensity, uniting Christians of different traditions in a single voice of supplication.
Preparations and Expectation in the Marian City
Anticipation for the arrival of the Holy Father is growing by the hour. The community of Pompeii has prepared through prayer: a special prayer has been recited daily for three months in all parishes and at the Sanctuary. Additionally, a significant logistical effort has been made, with the collaboration of civil and military authorities, to welcome the many pilgrims who will come from all over Italy and the world.
Monsignor Caputo emphasized that this visit is a great honor and a great responsibility for the city. It is a sign of the Pope's closeness to all the faithful, especially those suffering from war and injustice. The Pope's presence in Pompeii is an invitation to rediscover the power of communal prayer and Marian devotion.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
A Message of Hope for the World
In a global context marked by conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and other international tensions, the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Pompeii is a message of hope. It reminds us that, despite everything, peace is possible if we unite in prayer and work for reconciliation. Our Lady of the Rosary invites us not to lose faith and to be instruments of peace in our own environments.
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