Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace in the world at the tomb of St Benedict of Nursia during a private visit to the Abbey of Montecassino and its monastic community yesterday. Source: Vatican News.
According to a press statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the Pope “paused to pray at the tomb of St Benedict, entrusting to him his plea for peace in those regions of the world marked by bloodshed and conflict”.
He then had lunch with the religious community before returning to Castel Gandolfo, where he is spending his summer break until July 27.
The Abbey of Montecassino is a two-hour drive from Rome and was the first monastery of the Benedictine order, founded by the saint himself in 529.
The abbey was almost destroyed during the Battle of Monte Cassino in February 1944, when Allied forces mistakenly believed it was occupied by German troops.
Rebuilt after the World War II with funding from the Italian government, it was rededicated by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
Today, a small Benedictine community remains in the abbey, which welcomes pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Nearby lies the Cassino War Cemetery, where more than 4000 Commonwealth servicemen whose graves are unknown are commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, while 289 of those buried there remain unidentified.
Also close to the abbey is the Polish War Cemetery, the final resting place of 1072 Polish soldiers who died capturing Monte Cassino in May 1944. Christian crosses and Stars of David on the headstones reflect the religious diversity of those who gave their lives during the campaign.
The Pope’s surprise visit to Montecassino was his first since his election to the papacy in 2025, EWTN reports.
While on holiday last year, he also made a surprise visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie della Mentorella in Guadagnolo, where he also prayed for peace.
Leo’s visit to Montecassino was also his third public appearance (outside his Sunday Angelus) during his Castel Gandolfo vacation, following his lunch with the poor on July 11 and a concert on July 18.
Except for his Sunday Angelus, all private and public audiences, including the Wednesday general audience, are suspended during his vacation.
FULL STORY
Pope Leo prays for peace at Montecassino Abbey (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV makes private visit to St Benedict’s tomb, prays for peace (By Ishmael Adibuah, EWTN News)
