Pope makes surprise visit to St. Mary Major
January 03, 2014
Pope Francis made an unannounced visit to the Roman basilica of St. Mary Major on January 1 and prayed before the beloved image of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani.
“The private visit, which was not scheduled according to the Pope's official activity agenda, was witnessed and greeted with joy and surprise by the many faithful who were in the basilica at the time,” Vatican Radio reported.
Pope Francis also made unannounced visits to the basilica after his papal election and before and after his journey to World Youth Day in Brazil.
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Further information:
- Pope prays to Our Lady in St. Mary Major (Vatican Radio)
- On return to Rome, Pope again visits St. Mary Major (CWN, 7/29)
- Pope makes another surprise visit to St. Mary Major (CWN, 7/22)
- Pope Francis visits Marian basilica, talks by phone with Benedict XVI (CWN, 3/14)
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