By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Leo XIV marked the first anniversary of his election as head of the Catholic Church on Friday with a visit to southern Italy, where he described himself as “blessed” amid growing global attention on his leadership.
The 70-year-old pontiff travelled to the city of Pompeii to visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary, a Catholic shrine founded by Bartolo Longo, a former Satanic priest who later returned to the Catholic faith.
Addressing worshippers gathered inside the basilica, including hundreds of sick and disabled faithful, the pope said he felt grateful to commemorate the anniversary at the historic sanctuary.
“What a beautiful day, so many blessings,” Pope Leo said. “I feel the most blessed for being able to come here to the sanctuary on this anniversary.”
The pope arrived in Pompeii aboard a white helicopter, drawing cheers from thousands of pilgrims gathered in the city square.
His visit came a day after he held talks at the Vatican with Marco Rubio following weeks of tensions linked to criticism of the pope’s anti-war stance by Donald Trump.
Pope Leo had previously defended his comments on global conflicts, insisting that he had a “moral duty” to speak out against war and violence.
During an outdoor Mass in Pompeii, the pontiff renewed his appeal for peace, saying the world must not become indifferent to “images of death” seen daily in the media.
He also prayed for political leaders to be guided toward ending ongoing conflicts and promoting peace.
The pope’s reserved leadership style has drawn comparisons with his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025.
While some worshippers described Leo as more distant than Francis, others praised his calm and measured response to political criticism.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute to the pontiff, describing his voice as an important global reference point during a period of uncertainty.
During the visit, Pope Leo toured the streets of Pompeii in the popemobile, greeting crowds gathered in balconies, windows, and public squares before entering the basilica wearing a red mozzetta over his white papal robes.
The sanctuary in Pompeii holds special significance for the pope, who referenced it during his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following his election on May 8, 2025.
The site also has historical ties to Pope Leo XIII, whose teachings on workers’ rights inspired the current pontiff.
Friday’s trip forms part of a series of pastoral visits planned across Italy during the summer and follows the pope’s recent tour of four African countries.
The pontiff was also scheduled to visit Naples later in the day to venerate the relics of San Gennaro and greet worshippers at Piazza del Plebiscito.
