Pope Leo XIV visits the Abbey of Montecassino – July 20, 2026
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
This morning at 11:00 a.m., Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Abbey . It was a private visit, requiring the utmost confidentiality. From the early hours of the morning, the arrival of an illustrious figure was evident. A Head of State was suspected, a presence to which the Monastery of San Benedetto has always been accustomed. The emotion was intense when, from the dark car that had driven up to the entrance door, the white robe, symbolizing the leader of the Catholic Church, descended. The Holy Father immediately showed his availability, stopping to greet everyone, much to the incredulity of those present.
He was welcomed by Father Abbot Dom Luca Fallica, Prior Jordi Augustí Piqué, Archbishop Emeritus of Gaeta Bernardo D'Onorio, and the entire Benedictine community. After passing through the Abbey Cloisters, Leo XIV looked out from the Loggia del Paradiso to admire the splendid view of the valley. A moving visit to the museum was also made, where the Pontiff paused in the section dedicated to the destruction of the Monastery during the Second World War.
The Pope also visited the archive curated by Don Mariano Dell'Omo and the library curated by Don Alessandro Trespioli.
In the Cathedral Basilica, there was a moment of prayer at the tombs of Saints Benedict and Scholastica. The Holy Father prayed at Sext with the Community in the Chapter Hall. Leo XIV wished to leave a testimony of his visit by donating a splendid chalice to the Community.
Gradually, news of the Pope's presence spread among the Abbey's visitors. Groups of visitors gathered and joined in applause. The Pope greeted and blessed those present. After lunch with the Community, Leo XIV left the Abbey at 2:45 pm. "A truly beautiful surprise ,"said Abbot Fallica." Unexpected. A strictly private visit. The community was only notified today. We had been asked to maintain the utmost confidentiality. However, this made the visit even more beautiful because it was more simple, more familiar, like a father coming to visit his children."
Article of Vatican News : https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-07/pope-leo-montecassino-abbey-st-benedict-pray-peace.html
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