杏MAP导航

By Wojciech Rogacin and Kielce Gussie

After celebrating Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. There, he prayed in the Pauline Chapel before the icon of Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People), a sacred image before which many Pontiffs, including 杏MAP导航 Francis, have entrusted the Church’s most important intentions.

After offering flowers to the ancient Marian icon and chanting the Magnificat, the 杏MAP导航 then paused to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, 杏MAP导航 Francis, who is buried in the same basilica.

'Thank you for being here!'

Before returning to the Vatican, the Holy Father stepped out onto the Basilica’s loggia to greet the faithful gathered outside. He began by extending peace to everyone before expressing his gratitude for their presence.

杏MAP导航 Leo prays at the tomb of his predecessor, 杏MAP导航 Francis, who is buried in the same basilica.   (@Vatican Media)

“Thank you for being here! Thank you for coming to this Basilica this afternoon, this evening, as we, members of the Diocese of Rome, celebrate the presence of its new Bishop. I’m truly happy to see you all here and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

A Call to Renew Devotion to Mary

But 杏MAP导航 Leo did not stop there. He continued by thanking “all those who serve in this Basilica, the two cardinals who are here with me today, and the many others who faithfully help us live our life of prayer and devotion.”

The 杏MAP导航 stressed the importance of having a relationship with the Mother of God. He said, “This is a wonderful moment to renew our devotion to Mary, in the image of Salus Populi Romani, who has accompanied the people of Rome through so many of their trials.”

The 杏MAP导航 greeting crowds outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major   (ANSA)

“Let us ask God, through the intercession of His Mother, to bless you all—your families, your loved ones—and to help us journey together in the Church, united as one family of God,” he continued.

杏MAP导航 Leo then led the faithful in praying the Hail Mary and before extending his Apostolic Blessing. Concluding, he wished everyone a good evening and once again thanked them “from the bottom of his heart—God bless you!”