Pope Leo XIV Visits Sanctuaries and Monasteries in Subiaco and Vallepietra

Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity

Pilgrimage to the Holy Trinity Shrine

On the morning of Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Pope Leo XIV departed from the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity—a site located on the slope of Mount Tagliata at a high altitude on the border between the Lazio and Abruzzo regions. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff arrived at the sanctuary, which is described as one of the most venerated places of worship in the Central Apennines. The Pope spent time in silent prayer before the sanctuary’s venerated fresco of the Holy Trinity before greeting the faithful and religious present at the site.

Visits to the Monastery of St. Benedict

Visits to Subiaco

By approximately noon (local time) on July 22, the Pope arrived by car at the Monastery of St. Benedict in Subiaco, located about 30 kilometers from the sanctuary. During his visit to the complex, the pontiff meditated before an fresco of St. Francis and kissed the statue of St. Benedict. Following this, he recited the Lord’s Prayer with the monks. The Pope then proceeded to the Monastery of St. Scholastica, where he lunched with the Benedictine community and toured the convent and its cloisters.

Prayer at the Tomb of St. Benedict of Nursia

Preceding Visit to Montecassino

The July 22 excursions followed a separate surprise visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino on July 20. According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope spent the morning at the abbey, which is the oldest in Italy and was rebuilt after its destruction in 1944. At Montecassino, the Pope prayed at the tomb of St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine order. Vatican Media reported that the Pope lit a candle at the tomb, entrusting him with his plea for peace in those regions of the world marked by bloodshed and conflict.

Abbot Dom Luca Fallica of Montecassino stated that the July 20 visit was completely unexpected, noting that the community was only informed of the Pope’s arrival at 11 a.m. that morning. The monks were requested to keep the news of the visit confidential until the Pope had departed the premises. During his time at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and St. Benedict the Abbot, the Pope also had the opportunity to pray at the tomb of St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict.

Vacation at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Context of the Summer Vacation

These visits occurred while Pope Leo XIV was on vacation at Castel Gandolfo. The Pope was accompanied during his travels by his brother, John, who is also spending his vacation in Italy. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the itinerary for these surprise excursions, which highlight the Pope’s focus on historic Benedictine sites throughout his stay in the region.