Before the Eucharistic celebration began, the Holy Father personally expressed his desire to visit the modest room where Don Bosco stayed during his final journey to Rome in the spring of 1887. Frail in health yet unwavering in faith, the saint remained there for 30 days for the consecration of the basilica he had long dreamed of and tirelessly laboured to complete—an offering of love to the Sacred Heart and to the young.
Today preserved as a small museum, the room safeguards the memory of those intense and grace-filled final days of the Founder. The Pope’s visit, lasting nearly ten minutes, unfolded in an atmosphere of recollection and reverent silence. The Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Francesco Marcoccio, briefly recalled for the Holy Father the circumstances of Don Bosco’s last stay in Rome, including the two miracles performed during that period—clear signs of divine providence accompanying the fulfillment of his Marian and apostolic mission.
Standing within those sacred walls, Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer. He recited an Hail Mary, entrusted the Salesian Family throughout the world to the Lord, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing. Those present experienced the moment as one of deep communion—Peter’s Successor praying where Don Bosco himself had prayed, suffered, and offered his final energies for the good of the Church and for the salvation of the young.
The Holy Father was accompanied by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard; the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Francesco Marcoccio; and the Parish Priest, Fr. Javier Ortiz. For the Rector Major and the Congregation, the gesture was both humbling and profoundly consoling. Although there had once been consideration of requesting the Holy Father to bless the museum, the Salesians had refrained so as not to burden his schedule. It was therefore especially meaningful that the Pope himself expressed the wish to visit Don Bosco’s room.
Fr. Fabio Attard, visibly moved, later reflected:“It was truly a great gift that the Holy Father offered to the Salesians and to the entire Salesian Family. With heartfelt simplicity, he remained in Don Bosco’s room, listening attentively to the account of those significant moments. With deep devotion, he approached the small altar where Don Bosco celebrated Mass and prayed there in silence. The blessing imparted by the Holy Father from this very room extends to the whole Salesian Family. It is a historic, unique, and unforgettable moment. His paternal presence and blessing are a precious gift to us all.”
This silent encounter before the Eucharistic celebration became a powerful and eloquent sign: a bridge between the charism of Don Bosco and the living heart of the Church. For Salesians and members of the Salesian Family across the globe, it stands as a moment of renewed communion, encouragement, and missionary fervour—a blessing that will long remain engraved in memory and spirit.
