East Anglian Pilgrims Share in Joy of New Papacy

Pilgrims from East Anglia have had the joy and privilege of witnessing the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate first-hand in Rome.

The Eternal City, already preparing to welcome visitors for the Jubilee Year with freshly-cleaned buildings, revitalised fountains, and a newly-opened pedestrian square easing processions to St Peter’s Basilica, has been the backdrop to scenes of celebration and devotion. Large crowds have gathered to welcome and pray for the new Holy Father — and some of our own parishioners and clergy were blessed to be among them.

One East Anglian already living in Rome is seminarian Matthew Allen, currently preparing for ordination to the diaconate next month while completing exams at the Pontifical Beda College. He found himself among the multitude in St Peter’s Square for Pope Leo’s first appearance on the papal balcony. In the days that followed, he was also able to attend the Holy Father’s first public Mass in the square and the moving liturgy at which the Pope took possession of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls — conveniently close to Matthew’s seminary.

Reflecting on these remarkable days, Matthew said:

“Just one month into Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, what has struck me most is his deep sincerity and instinctive pastoral warmth. His first greeting — ‘Peace be with all of you’ — spoke volumes about his desire to reach out to everyone, not just Catholics, but all people of goodwill.

“In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo spoke of service, humility, and the hope of a diverse yet united Church. He emphasised that his ministry, like St Peter’s, is rooted in love, not power. In a world so often marked by division, his call to inclusive love and patient unity already feels like a timely and hopeful witness.”

Matthew was joined at St Paul’s by Deacon Paul Raynes from Ely, whose Jubilee pilgrimage happened to coincide with the first days of Pope Leo’s papacy. Deacon Paul was struck by the speed with which local Roman parishes produced new banners bearing the Pope’s name, and by the resounding applause that greeted the Holy Father — even within the churches themselves.

He also joined the long lines of pilgrims queuing outside the Basilica of St Mary Major to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis. Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“It felt like people were coming from every nation and language to be close to Pope Leo and to pray for his predecessor. The atmosphere was beautifully summed up by a huge banner hanging opposite St Mary’s that read, ‘We’re with you, Leo’. Definitely pilgrims of hope!”

Matthew Allen

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