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Reviving custom, Pope Leo presented with lambs on feast of St. Agnes
January 22, 2026
Reviving a custom discontinued by Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV was presented with two lambs on the memorial of St. Agnes (video).
The rite took place in the Chapel of Urban VIII in the Apostolic Palace. “Following an ancient tradition, the animals were later blessed in the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls in northern Rome, where the young 4th-century martyr is buried,” Vatican News reported.
The wool from the blessed lambs will be used to make pallia for new metropolitan archbishops.
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Further information:
- Presentation of Lambs on the feast of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr (Holy See Press Office, 1/21/26)
- Pope Leo XIV presented with lambs on feast of St. Agnes (Vatican News, 1/21/26)
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