The welcoming light of this Basilica leads us to our Mother Mary, who will accompany us in every step of the journey. In our moments of fragility, let us remember that She is our guide: She who indicates Jesus to us, to lead us along the joyful and painful paths of our life.
Before departing for an apostolic journey, Pope Francis makes a brief visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, to pray before the icon of Mary Salus populi Romani (“Saviour of the Roman people”), preserved in the Pauline Chapel of the Basilica. The Holy Father asks Our Lady that her protective mantle accompany his specific trip, and when he returns to Rome he visits her again, as a sign of gratitude for a safe return journey.
