Cardinal Reina leads Rosary at Basilica of St Mary Major

Salus Populi Romani

Source: Vatican Media

Pilgrims gathered to pray the Rosary on Wednesday night at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis has asked to be buried.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, led the prayers, beginning by comforting the faithful by reminding them that just like the disciples of Emmaus, often "our eyes too can be hindered from recognising Jesus in moments of trial."

"The Easter experience brings a constantly new response to those who question the meaning of suffering and death," said the Cardinal, adding that "the heart, tested and extinguished, begins to burn again only when we allow faith to illuminate it".

He invited the faithful, in this hour of sadness, "to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, asking her to help us transform this pain into hope and to believe that life - not death - is the final word".

Mother of Hope, he concluded, "intercede for us."

See a short film of the prayers on the Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=THkIMAGeakU