After blessing the faithful, he entered the chapel that houses the Marian icon, traditionally attributed to St. Luke, and, kneeling, prayed for a few minutes before placing a bouquet of flowers at ...

Pope Francis to be buried in Saint Mary Major church, ... Here we are in front of the icon of Mother Mary in the St. Mary Major church. People are gathered in this side chapel.

Pope Leo XIV prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following the Mass where he took possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran as bishop of Rome.

The Virgin Mary icon seemed to become almost an ally for Francis in his papacy. He visited her on his first day as pope in 2013, and would pray to her before and after every trip out of Rome.

The icon, by pious tradition painted by St. Luke, first came to Rome from the East in the fifth century, when Mary was declared the Theotokos — Mother of God — at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Two mothers who went to morning Mass on a recent weekday at the Genazzano chapel — where the Mary icon stands — said they pray their children, ranging in age from 18 to 24, will keep the faith.

This is the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. It is known for its impressive architecture and its historical and religious significance. The basilica houses the icon of the Salus Populi Romani and the ...

The Virgin Mary icon seemed to become almost an ally for Francis in his papacy. He visited her on his first day as pope in 2013, and would pray to her before and after every trip out of Rome.

GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why praying to her means so much to so many.