Rome – February 2026
The Roman parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido will become the first parish to receive a pastoral visit from Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant moment for the local Catholic community.
The Pope is scheduled to visit on Sunday, 15 February, in what parish leaders describe as a deeply symbolic and pastoral gesture of closeness.
A Community Gathering
Entrusted to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate — also known as the Pallottine Fathers — the parish is located in Piazza Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido, a seaside district in southwestern Rome.
According to the Vicariate of Rome, the Holy Father will arrive at 4:00 p.m., beginning his visit with a meeting with approximately 400 children and young people enrolled in the parish catechetical program. The gathering will take place in the courtyard behind the church.
He will then greet around 400 additional members of the parish community in the parish gymnasium, including the elderly, the sick, families in need, and volunteers from Caritas.
Celebration of the Eucharist
The pastoral visit will culminate at 5:00 p.m. with the celebration of Holy Mass, which Pope Leo XIV will preside over.
Among the concelebrants will be:
- Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina
- Bishop Renato Tarantelli Baccari, Vice-Regent of the Diocese of Rome
- Parish priest Father Giovanni Vincenzo Patanè
Several parish priests from Ostia, the chaplain of Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, and other local clergy are also expected to attend.
Following Mass, the Pope will meet with the parish pastoral council before greeting the faithful gathered outside, where a large screen will broadcast the liturgy for those unable to enter the church.
A Symbolic Choice
Father Patanè emphasized the significance of the parish’s dedication to Mary, Queen of Peace — a title that resonates with Pope Leo XIV’s repeated call for what he has described as “an unarmed and disarming peace” since the beginning of his pontificate.
Ostia also holds particular spiritual meaning. Though it forms part of the Diocese of Rome, it has its own patron saint, Saint Augustine — a figure especially dear to Pope Leo XIV, who belongs to the Augustinian order.
A Moment of Renewal
The announcement of the papal visit has generated excitement throughout the parish. To ensure fairness, attendance tickets were distributed by lottery.
Parishioners view the visit not only as an honor but also as a moment of renewal and preparation. As Father Patanè noted with gentle humor, it has even provided a welcome opportunity to tidy up and make improvements.
Above all, the community sees the visit as a pastoral gesture of closeness.
“He is the Pope,” Father Patanè said, “but for us he is first and foremost our bishop, the shepherd who comes to visit his Church.”