Pope Leo XIV visited the Benedictine monasteries of San Benito and Santa Escolástica in Subiaco, according to Vatican Media reporting by Tiziana Campisi. The pontiff’s journey explored the shared heritage of monastic life, drawing connections between the traditions of Saint Benedict and Saint Augustine during a day marked by prayer, informal conversation, and institutional exchanges according to the Holy See Press Office.
The Itinerary Through the Subiaco Monasteries
The papal visit began in the morning of July 22 when the pontiff traveled to the Santuario de la Santísima Trinidad de Vallepietra, located on the border between Lazio and Abruzzo, according to the Holy See Press Office. Upon arriving in the Simbruini mountains, the Pope was received by Dom Mauro Meacci, the ordinary abbot of Subiaco. The pontiff proceeded directly to the Sacro Speco, the monastery housing the cave where Saint Benedict lived for three years as a hermit, spending time in prayer before touring the Benedictine monastic complex. During this tour, he viewed the frescoes and historical spaces, including an early image of Saint Francis preserved in the Chapel of Saint Gregory, as reported by Vatican Media.
A Conversational Encounter Between Religious Communities
Following the morning prayer services, the Pope shared a cordial lunch with the monastic community and sanctuary staff in the refectory. According to Dom Mauro Meacci, speaking to Vatican Media, the conversation remained familiar and spontaneous as the pontiff engaged monks with direct questions about daily community life. «Se nota que la personalidad del Santo Padre ha estado marcada por su condición de monje agustino; diría que parecía uno de nosotros», stated Dom Mauro regarding the papal demeanor.
Did you know? During the visit to the State Library of the Santa Escolástica National Monument, the pontiff inspected a 1467 incunable edition of Saint Augustine’s De Civitate Dei printed locally in Subiaco.
Gifts and the Convergence of Benedict and Augustine
The afternoon included a traditional monastic gathering where the community and the pontiff exchanged gifts and photographs. Pope Leo XIV presented the monks with two chalices bearing his personal coat of arms—one designated for the monastery of San Benito and another for Santa Escolástica. In return, the community offered a basket of regional products, a replica of the Saint Benedict medal, and a scholarly volume detailing the art and history of both monastic sites. Dom Mauro characterized the event to Vatican Media as a meeting between religious traditions where Saint Benedict drew upon elements of Saint Augustine’s rule that softened earlier monastic strictness. Before returning to Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff joined the monks for a final prayer session in their private chapel and issued an appeal for peace to inhabit human hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Leo XIV visit Subiaco?
The visit followed a morning stop on July 22 at the Santuario de la Santísima Trinidad de Vallepietra.
Which monasteries did the Pope tour during the trip?
According to Vatican Media, the pontiff visited the Sacro Speco, the monastery of San Benito, and the monastery of Santa Escolástica.
What historical text was shown to the pontiff?
Monks shared a 1467 incunable printing of Saint Augustine’s De Civitate Dei housed in the State Library of the National Monument of Santa Escolástica.