On the first anniversary of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the milestone with a special Marian pilgrimage filled with prayer, reflection, and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Thousands of faithful gathered along the pilgrimage route as the Pope visited sacred Marian shrines, offering prayers for peace, unity, and hope in a world facing conflict and uncertainty. Witnesses described emotional scenes of hymns, candles, and cheering crowds as Pope Leo greeted pilgrims and reflected on a historic first year as the Church’s first American pope.

Many Catholics called the pilgrimage a powerful symbol of humility, faith, and spiritual renewal for the global Church.