Pope Leo XIV made a deeply personal pilgrimage to the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia, northern Italy, on June 20, where he venerated the relics of St Augustine, the 5th-century Doctor of the Church whose spirituality has profoundly shaped his pontificate.
The first Augustinian Pope in history arrived by helicopter for the day trip, part of a series of pastoral visits across Italy this summer aimed at connecting with local communities. He began by quietly praying before the saint’s remains, displayed in a small gold-rimmed glass box on the altar, before leading a Celebration of the Word and incensing the relics. The Vatican confirmed that the visit included a Liturgy of the Word and veneration of the relics of St Augustine at the basilica.
