Pope Leo XIV Makes Surprise Visit to Dicastery for Bishops

VATICAN, 20 May 2025 – Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced visit on Tuesday morning to the Dicastery for Bishops, where he had served as Prefect from January 2023 until his election as Pope on 8 May. During the visit, he celebrated Mass in the Dicastery’s chapel.

The Pope arrived around 10 a.m. in his now-familiar dark minivan. He was greeted with applause and chants of “Viva il Papa!” from a small group gathered near St Peter’s Square. Onlookers had also assembled along nearby streets to catch a glimpse of him as he departed after approximately ninety minutes.

This marks the third unplanned public appearance by Pope Leo since his election. His earlier outings included visits to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano and the Augustinianum, where he celebrated Mass and shared a meal with fellow Augustinians.

The Dicastery for Bishops is responsible for overseeing the establishment of dioceses and the appointment of bishops within the Latin Church.

Later in the day, Pope Leo prayed at the tomb of St. Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. On Wednesday morning, he will lead his first General Audience at the Vatican.

Courtesy: Vatican News