Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
The visit created a stir in the town, especially when a heightened police presence was noticed earlier in the day. Locals were thrilled and honored to welcome the Pope, especially as this marked his first pastoral visit since becoming Pontiff.
The Pope was warmly received by the Augustinian friars of the basilica, the town's mayor Fabio Ascenzi, and the local bishop. He took time to greet the faithful gathered in the square, exchanged brief words with the bishop, and then entered the church to pray in front of the statue of the Madonna.
Pope Leo XIV's connection to Genazzano is longstanding. Even before becoming Pope, he had visited the basilica numerous times, especially as a cardinal, including his most recent visit on April 25 during the Feast of the 'Coming' of the Mother of Good Counsel. The Augustinians, the Pope's own religious order, have had a presence in Genazzano since the 13th century, deepening his ties to the town.
A resident speaking to Fanpage recalled, "He loves this place. He would often come here. This morning felt unusual with so much police activity, but now we know why. We're very proud". Another woman, speaking to TV2000, said, "I found out he was coming a couple of hours before. In a small town like this, news travels fast. I was the first to see him, but I couldn't find the words to speak. He is truly a wonderful Pope".
Many townspeople expressed hope of getting close enough to shake the Pope's hand, especially since the visit comes just days after his election.
The ANewZ channel covered the event, capturing photos and videos of this special moment for the local community. Journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde was present at the scene and observed the event as it unfolded. More images and videos will be released soon.
Türkiye has reinforced its strategic partnership with Hungary, expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and innovation following high-level t...
Ukraine "deeply appreciates" the humanitarian support of Pope Leo XIV. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a meeting betw...
Ukraine is set to present a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States today, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders work to ...
China has carried out a major test of a new “super wireless” rail convoy, a technology that could reshape the future of heavy-haul transport....
Kazakhstan has begun redirecting part of its crude exports, sending oil from the Kashagan field to China for the first time....
Ukraine "deeply appreciates" the humanitarian support of Pope Leo XIV. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a meeting between the two at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, on Tuesday, 9 December.
Pope Leo XIV will end a three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday (2 December), concluding his first overseas trip as Catholic leader with an urgent appeal for peace in the Middle East and a warning that humanity’s future is threatened by the world’s bloody conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV visited Martyrs’ Square in Beirut on Monday, the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Lebanon, where he met with Christian and interreligious leaders to promote dialogue and unity among different faiths.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut on Sunday, marking the second stop of his first overseas trip since becoming pontiff in May. The visit, coming directly from Türkiye, is being hailed as a moment of spiritual encouragement for a nation struggling with deep political and economic crises.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
Authorities in Japan lifted all tsunami warnings on Tuesday following a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck off the northeastern coast late on Monday, injuring at least 30 people and forcing around 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Pressure is mounting between Venezuela and the United States as both nations emphasise military preparedness and strategic positioning.
Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O) has launched a $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O). The escalation follows a high-stakes battle that had appeared to end last week when Netflix secured a $72 billion deal for the studio giant’s assets.
Tehran has protested to Washington because of the travel ban on its football team delegation as well as Iranian fans who would like to travel to the United States for the upcoming World Cup matches in 2026.
Türkiye has reinforced its strategic partnership with Hungary, expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and innovation following high-level talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in İstanbul.
Ukraine "deeply appreciates" the humanitarian support of Pope Leo XIV. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a meeting between the two at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, on Tuesday, 9 December.
Ukraine is set to present a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States today, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders work to steer Washington’s ceasefire framework away from concessions they fear could lock in Russian territorial gains.
Thousands of civilians fled their homes as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces push through Darfur and Kordofan. Airstrikes and attacks on markets, schools, and camps have left many at risk.
Around 20 people have died after a major fire tore through a seven-storey office building in Indonesia capital Jakarta on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment