• Pope Leo XIV makes his first official visit to the Madre del Buon Consiglio sanctuary.
• The pontiff emphasizes the significance of AI in modern society as a challenge for humanity.
• He pledges to continue the inclusive vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
• Leo is the first American pope and is deeply connected to the Augustinian order.
• The sanctuary visit marks a shift towards his unique papal approach.

Pope Leo XIV undertook his first official outing on May 10, traveling to the Madre del Buon Consiglio sanctuary in Genazzano, approximately one hour east of Rome. Upon his arrival, Leo was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, highlighting the significance of this historic site to both his new role and the Augustinian order. This sanctuary has been a pilgrimage destination since the 15th century, further elevated by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, to a minor basilica, according to Reuters and Africanews.

During the visit, Leo expressed his desire to "pray for guidance" during the initial days of his papacy and offered blessings to attendees, reinforcing the connection between faith, community, and leadership. This commitment to pastoral care signifies a continuation of the prior pope's mission, yet Leo aims to shape his approach distinctly, as mentioned by the Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

In defining his vision, Pope Leo identified artificial intelligence as a central challenge facing humanity, stressing the need to defend human dignity and justice amid technological advancements. He pledged to uphold the inclusive values championed by Pope Francis, referring to the necessity of engaging lovingly with marginalized communities. His remarks resonate with those of his predecessor, who had also warned of the repercussions of AI, according to Los Angeles Times and Africanews.

As part of his return journey, Pope Leo stopped at St. Mary Major Basilica to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, reinforcing the continuity in leadership while marking his territory with a clear endorsement of previous papal missions. This symbolic act not only pays homage to Pope Francis but also sets a tone for how Leo intends to navigate his papacy and address contemporary issues, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.