Pope Leo XIV has returned to Rome after spending several weeks at Castel Gandolfo, resuming his weekly public audiences with a renewed focus on the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the sacred liturgy. During this week’s edition of Relevant in Rome, Ashley Noronha and Mark Swartzberg discussed the Pope’s latest catechesis, his upcoming visit to Assisi, the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows, and his first major interview with an American news outlet.
Prayer Is Never a Private Act
Continuing his catechetical series on the documents of Vatican II, Pope Leo reflected on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Building on his previous teaching about the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life, he turned his attention to the Church’s prayer.
The Holy Father emphasized that authentic Christian prayer is never an isolated or purely personal experience. Rather, it unites believers throughout the Body of Christ and draws them into Jesus’ own prayer to the Father. In a culture often shaped by technology, consumerism, and self-improvement techniques, Pope Leo warned against reducing prayer to another wellness practice. Instead, he encouraged Catholics to rediscover the liturgy as God’s initiative, where He comes to meet His people.
The Pope gave particular attention to the Liturgy of the Hours, describing it as the “breath of the Church” that sanctifies each day. From morning prayer to night prayer, this rhythm helps Christians remain attentive to God’s presence and prepares their hearts for Christ’s return.
Young Catholics Gather in Assisi
Ashley also highlighted the ongoing Franciscan youth gathering in Assisi, where thousands of young adults from around the world have assembled to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.
The event coincides with the ancient tradition of the Perdono di Assisi, or Pardon of Assisi, which traces its origins to St. Francis’ request that sincere penitents receive a plenary indulgence. Pope Leo is expected to celebrate Mass during the gathering and continue encouraging young people to reject mediocrity, deepen their relationship with Christ, and pursue holiness with confidence. Organizers have also welcomed non-believers to participate in the event, inviting everyone to encounter the Gospel.
Celebrating Our Lady of the Snows
The hosts also reflected on the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, commonly known as Our Lady of the Snows. The feast commemorates the ancient tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary directed a Roman couple and Pope Liberius to build a church on the Esquiline Hill after a miraculous August snowfall marked the location.
Today, the basilica commemorates the miracle with white rose petals descending from the ceiling during the feast day Mass, while an evening celebration recreates the snowfall in the piazza outside. The basilica remains one of the Church’s most treasured Marian shrines, housing the beloved icon Salus Populi Romani and relics traditionally associated with Christ’s manger in Bethlehem.
An American Pope Serving the Universal Church
Finally, Ashley and Mark discussed Pope Leo XIV’s first official interview with an American news outlet. While expressing his affection for the United States and gratitude for the values that shaped his upbringing, the Pope explained that his vocation now extends beyond any one nation.
Rather than seeing himself primarily through the lens of nationality, Pope Leo described himself as “a pope who happens to be American.” His mission, like that of St. Peter, is to shepherd the entire Church, serving Catholics throughout the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.