Pope ends Apostolic Journey with prayers at Basilica of St Mary Major

Sep 15th, 2024 (Updated Sep 20th, 2024)

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis stopped at the Basilica of St Mary Major on his way back to the Vatican from Fiumicino Airport, on Friday, to thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for her protection throughout his 12-day Apostolic Journey.

The Pope prayed before the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani after setting a bouquet of flowers on the altar in the Gregorian Chapel, expressing his gratitude for her maternal protection during his 12 day Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania.

Pope Francis then returned to his car, which took him to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.

The Pope visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, making this the longest journey of his pontificate.

During the flight back to Rome earlier, Pope Francis held a press conference with journalists. Read an English translation of the transcript here: www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-09/pope-francis-inflight-press-conference-asia-oceania-visit.html

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