Pope Leo XIV to Make First Pastoral Visit to Ostia Parish in Rome
Pope Leo XIV is set to make his first pastoral visit to a Roman parish on Sunday 15 February, choosing the coastal community of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido for the occasion. The visit marks an important early moment in his ministry as Bishop of Rome and highlights his focus on local parish life within the Diocese of Rome.
Located in the southwestern area of the capital near the sea, the parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis is entrusted to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, commonly known as the Pallottine Fathers. The parish has long served as a spiritual and social reference point for families in Ostia, a large neighborhood that combines residential life with seasonal tourism.
According to the Vicariate of Rome, the Pope is scheduled to arrive at 4:00 p.m. He will begin his visit by meeting around 400 children and young people enrolled in the parish catechetical program. The gathering will take place in the courtyard behind the church, where the younger members of the community will welcome him.
The Holy Father will then greet approximately 400 additional parishioners assembled in the parish gymnasium. Among them will be elderly residents, the sick, families facing hardship and volunteers from local Caritas groups. The encounter reflects the Pope’s stated desire to remain close to those who serve and those in need within parish communities.
At 5:00 p.m., Pope Leo XIV will preside over the celebration of Holy Mass. Concelebrating with him will be Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina, Bishop Renato Tarantelli Baccari of the Southern Sector and Vice Regent of the Diocese of Rome, and the parish priest, Father Giovanni Vincenzo Patanè. Other clergy from the Ostia area, including parish priests and chaplains, are also expected to participate. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Pope will meet with members of the parish pastoral council before greeting the faithful gathered outside, where a large screen will allow additional attendees to follow the Mass.
The choice of Santa Maria Regina Pacis carries symbolic meaning. The parish is dedicated to Mary under the title Queen of Peace, a theme that has featured prominently in the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. In recent addresses, he has spoken of the need for a peace that is rooted in reconciliation and moral courage.
Ostia also has a distinct spiritual heritage. Although it forms part of the Diocese of Rome, it venerates Saint Augustine as its patron. This connection resonates personally with Pope Leo XIV, who belongs to the Augustinian tradition.
The announcement of the papal visit has generated strong interest within the parish. Attendance tickets were distributed by lottery to ensure fair access. Parish leaders describe the visit as both an honor and a moment of renewal for the local Church, as the Bishop of Rome comes to meet his community in person.
