Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy on May 8, a day that is traditionally connected to St. Michael the Archangel.
Prior to Vatican II, the day was celebrated universally as the feast of the Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel at Gargano, Italy. While it was removed from the General Calendar, it is still celebrated locally in Italy and by those who follow the old calendar.
According to tradition, St. Michael the Archangel appeared to an Italian bishop in 493 and consecrated a nearby cave. This became known as the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo sul Gargano, more commonly referred to as Monte Gargano. It is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the archangel and was the center of Christian pilgrimages for many centuries.
The dedication of this church is celebrated annually on May 8, along with several other encounters with St. Michael the Archangel that took place at this sacred site.
Pope Leo XIII
In 1886 Pope Leo XIII instituted what would later be known as the “Leonine Prayers” after Mass (something familiar to those who have attended a Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form).
These prayers include the well-known Prayer to St. Michael. Not much is known for certain about the origin of this prayer, but it is believed by many historians that Pope Leo had a profound vision that sparked its creation.
According to Kevin Symonds, author of Pope Leo XIII and the Prayer to St. Michael, the vision likely occurred between 1884 and 1886 and took place during the celebration of Mass. Several different reports relate that Pope Leo had a visible change come over his face during the vision and one claims that his face was “pale and fearful.”
A cardinal at the time who knew the pope’s private secretary explains that “Pope Leo XIII truly had a vision of demonic spirits, who were gathering on the Eternal City (Rome). From that experience … comes the prayer which he wanted the whole Church to recite.”
Pope Leo XIII was well-known for his connection to St. Michael the Archangel and spread devotion to him throughout his pontificate.
While Pope Leo XIV has yet to point out this connection, or to mention St. Michael, the "coincidence" is still notable, and time will tell whether Pope Leo XIV will also promote devotion to St. Michael the Archangel.
