Pope Leo entrusts his life and ministry to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

November 15, 2026

Pope Leo XIV crowned an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Chiclayo, Peru, and entrusted his life and ministry to Mary’s Immaculate Heart.

The coronation rite (video) took place on November 14, the ninth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). The Pontiff—who was apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2015, and its bishop from 2015 to 2023—had spent the night in the bishop’s residence. From there, he walked to the cathedral, prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, and proceeded to the rite in front of the cathedral.

“With gratitude for the years the Lord granted us to walk together, I now prepare, as the Successor of Peter, to crown this beautiful image of the Immaculate Virgin Mary,” Pope Leo said. “This gesture is particularly significant, for the crown I will place upon our Lady’s head is intended to symbolize the tribute of gratitude and filial love offered to her by the Pope, together with you and the whole Church, as we acknowledge her as the loving Mother and Patroness of Chiclayo, exalted by God as Queen of heaven and earth.”

“A defenseless child is God’s answer to a humanity plunged into darkness, yet longing for unity and reconciliation,” the Pope continued. “He alone is the light that illumines the most hidden corners of human existence, the only light capable of rescuing us from sin and undoing its disastrous consequences in our personal and communal lives. He reveals who we truly are: sons and daughters of God, invited to share in the joy of his salvation and in the gladness of knowing that we are brothers and sisters.”

“Trusting in her [the Blessed Virgin Mary’s] intercession and protection, I invite you to keep walking forward together, as one family of God,” Pope Leo added. “A family that longs for a world marked by love and compassion, forgiveness and the pursuit of justice. A family confident that Mary Most Holy always shows us the sure path that leads to Jesus, who is the source of abundant life and truth, and who continually offers us new opportunities.”

The Pontiff then made his act of entrustment:

To you, our Immaculate Mother, I lift my gaze and my heart today with filial affection. At your side I learned to be the shepherd of Chiclayo. You accompanied me through its towns and cities. You taught me to meet its people and to be attentive to their needs, as you did at the Wedding Feast of Cana. To your Immaculate Heart I entrust today my life and my ministry as Successor of Peter. I also ask you to watch over and protect the People of God making their pilgrim way in these lands and to guide them always to your Son, Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo then led the assembled crowd in the recitation of a prayer:

Holy Mary, filled with the presence of God, who throughout your earthly life humbly obeyed the will of the Father and gave us an example of simplicity, we beg you to continue walking with us, and to obtain for us from your Son, Jesus Christ, through your maternal heart, the gift of listening attentively to the Holy Spirit, so that, with the help of his grace, we may be ready to follow him faithfully, to be builders of peace and reconciliation, and servants of the Kingdom of God and of our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Peru: Coronation Rite of the Immaculate Virgin (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/14/26)
• Rite of the Coronation of the Immaculate Virgin in the Cathedral of Saint Mary (Holy See Press Office, 11/14/26)
• Pope entrusts his life to Mary where he began episcopal ministry in Peru (Vatican News, 11/14/26)