As promised in his initial remarks, Pope Francis made his visit to the Madonna to ask her to protect Rome. As I inferred yesterday from Pope Francis's statement of wanting to pray for the Roman people, I predicted he would visit Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore which is home to the Shrine of Our Lady Protectress of Rome. Pope Francis' visit to the Marian shrine underscores the importance of Marian pilgrimage and the prayers offered at these holy sites. Spending time in prayer to the Madonna, one could reasonably think that Pope Francis consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary in addition to invoking her protectress role for Rome and the Church at large.
Vatican News reports that the Holy Father remained at the Shrine for half an hour.
More to come later today as news becomes available.
On another note...
I have found some wonderful comments our Holy Father made in regard to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I look forward to compiling them in the coming days. Be sure to check back often.
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