Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Vespers at Domus Australia, Highlights Marian Devotion

Table of Contents

Rome, Italy – October 6, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV led evening vespers at the Domus Australia in Rome today, a residence primarily welcoming australian and English-speaking pilgrims. The event centered around the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a devotion the Pope personally cherishes.

A Historic House of Faith and Hospitality

Domus Australia, situated near termini Station, stands as a landmark building rich in historical significance. Originally established as a home for Marist Fathers,the property was acquired by the Archdiocese of Sydney at the turn of the millennium,with support from other Australian dioceses. It was officially inaugurated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.

Upon arrival, the Pontiff paused in reverence before the Blessed Sacrament. The London choir, “The Gradualia Consort,” welcomed him with a rendition of “Tu es Petrus”.

Homily Emphasizes Hope and Marian faithfulness

In his homily,Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy in celebrating the eve of the feast. He spoke of the profound place the devotion to the Blessed Mother holds in his heart, and his delight in sharing the occasion with the Australian community present. The Pontiff presided over a solemn blessing of a restored icon of Our Lady of Pompeya.

He voiced his hope that the image, a gift from the future Saint Bartolo Longo decades ago, would inspire deeper devotion among those who reside at and visit Domus Australia, and among members of the broader local community.

Reflecting on the Jubilee year dedicated to the theological virtue of hope, Leo XIV underscored mary’s embodiment of this quality through unwavering faith in God’s promises. The Pope stated, “It is indeed frequently enough saeid that the incarnation first took place in the heart of Mary, before occurring in her womb. this underlines her daily faithfulness to God.”

He continued, asserting, “God is never late; we must learn to trust, even if it requires patience and perseverance. God’s time is always perfect.”

The Pontiff further observed that God’s purpose is not merely to liberate us from sin,but to liberate our hearts to freely respond with a resounding “yes,” mirroring the Blessed Mother’s example.

veneration and Historical Relics

At the conclusion of the evening prayers, Pope leo XIV blessed the icon of Our Lady of Pompeya. The image, an oil painting adorned with a crown and golden stars, had been a gift to the Marist Fathers from Blessed Bartolo Longo in the late 19th century, and recently underwent restoration prior to the Pope’s visit.

The altar of the Church houses relics of Saint Peter Chanel, a French Marist Missionary, and other saints including Saint Mary of the Cross mackillop, Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Saint maria Goretti, Saint Hugh of Lincoln, and Saint Pius V. Also, a painting depicts Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyên van Thuán, kneeling in prayer during his imprisonment.

Daily Mass is celebrated at Domus Australia in English, and the residence also serves as a center for sacred music, with Eucharistic adoration taking place each day at 5:00 p.m.

what role do pilgrimage sites play in modern spiritual journeys? How does the restoration of religious artwork contribute to a renewed sense of faith?