On return to Rome, Pope prays at St. Mary Major

September 28, 2015

Returning to Rome on September 28 after a week-long trip to Cuba and the United States, Pope Francis prayed before the image of the Virgin Mary in the Roman basilica of St. Mary Major.

The Pope created a sensation on the day after his election as Pontiff by traveling across the city without advance notice to pray before the beloved icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani. He has continued to make unannounced visits to the basilica before and after each of his foreign trips.

Upon touching down in Rome on Monday morning, the Pope went directly to the basilica. After a short period of prayer there he continued on to the Vatican, to rest after trip that has clearly taxed his stamina.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis prays at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica after trip to U.S. and Cuba (Rome Reports)