ACI Prensa Staff, 25 May, 2025 / 7:15 pm (ACI Africa).
Following the Mass where he took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the Virgin Mary is venerated under the title “Salus Populi Romani” (“Health of the Roman People”).
The Holy Father arrived at the basilica shortly after 7 p.m. local time. Upon entering, he blessed the faithful gathered inside with a brief sprinkling of holy water.
He then entered the chapel that houses the Marian icon, traditionally attributed to St. John the Evangelist, and, kneeling, prayed for a few minutes before placing a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother’s image.
After the singing of the “Magnificat” — the Gospel canticle spoken by the Virgin Mary after the announcement of the archangel Gabriel — Pope Leo XIV offered a prayer to the Mother of God, recalling that she is “all pure, all venerable, the finest offering humanity can present to God.”
“You guide the Church’s boat to a harbor of peace, steering away from dangers and overcoming storms,” he prayed, asking Mary to watch over “this city, comfort those who come to it without shelter or protection, and extend your care over the whole world.”
