Pope Leo XIV grants a unique, personal encounter to an Indiana couple, bestowing his blessing upon their newborn baby
Couple Receives Blessing from Pope Leo XIV for Their Newborn in Rome
Dr. Brandon and Dr. Arielle Brown, a couple from SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish in Indianapolis, embarked on a spiritual journey to Rome, Italy, to seek a blessing for their 6-week-old baby, Laurence, from Pope Leo XIV.
The Browns' journey began with a visit to the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, where they were warmly received by the local community. The people surrounding the family offered rosaries, relics, and holy cards for Laurence, a touching gesture of faith and support.
In a bid to increase their chances of receiving a blessing, the family arrived three hours early and positioned themselves close to the pope's route. The day was filled with long lines, security checks, and even a request to a Swiss Guard to open an area where the pope's route would be.
On May 21, the Browns attended Pope Leo XIV's first general audience in St. Peter's Square, Vatican. They were not alone; the Archdiocese of Indianapolis also attended the event. The Browns managed to reach the front of the crowd, where they were joined by nuns from China and Filipino pilgrims.
As the pope approached, Arielle felt a sudden sense of hope and anticipation. A security guard approached them and asked to take Laurence. Arielle felt a surge of urgency and joy, knowing that the moment they had been waiting for was finally here.
Pope Leo XIV took a little extra time to bless Laurence, who was younger than the other babies he had blessed. Upon returning Laurence to Arielle, the pope turned to look at her and acknowledged her as the mother of the baby he had just blessed. Arielle felt God's presence during the moment Pope Leo acknowledged her and Laurence.
The Browns' experience was made even more special by the assistance of Father Rory Hanly, rector of the Basilica of San Silvestro in Rome, who arranged for them to get into the audience. Father Hanly had also supported Laurence Brown's parents at the General Audience of Pope Leo XIII in Rome.
Upon their return to Indianapolis, the Browns shared their memories with their step-children. The story of their spiritual journey and the blessing they received from Pope Leo XIV was first published in The Criterion, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and was distributed in partnership with their website.
Arielle described the week in Rome as a joyful mystery and a reminder of God's enduring love and care. The experience left her feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and a profound sense of God's presence in their lives.
