Pope Francis Entrusts Visit to Marseille to Our Lady and asks for Prayer


Pope Francis makes a brief visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to entrust his Apostolic Journey to Marseille to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Just before his two-day visit to the French city of Marseille, Pope Francis traveled on Tuesday morning to pray at the feet of Our Lady.

After the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis also asked for prayers:

On Friday I will go to Marseille to participate in the conclusion of the Recontres Méditerranéennes, a fine initiative that is taking place in important Mediterranean cities, bringing together ecclesial and civil leaders to promote paths of peace, collaboration and integration around the mare nostrum, with special attention to the phenomenon of migration. It represents a challenge that is not easy, as we also see from the news in recent days, but which must be faced together, since it is essential for the future of all, which will be prosperous only if it is built on fraternity, putting human dignity and real people, especially those most in need, in first place. While I ask you to accompany this journey with prayer, I would like to thank the civil and religious authorities, and those who are working to prepare for the meeting in Marseille, a city rich in peoples, called to be a port of hope. As of now I greet all the inhabitants, looking forward to meet so many dear brothers and sisters.
The Holy See Press Office, the Pope paused in silent prayer before the ancient miraculous icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani.
He entrusted his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Marseille to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, before returning by car to the Vatican.

It is the Pope's personal tradition to visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major both before and after his international visits, as a sign of devotion and trust in Our Lady’s protection.
Pope Francis is scheduled to depart for the southern French city on Friday, September 22nd in the afternoon and return on Saturday.
The 22-23 September visit will see the Pope participate on Friday in a Marian prayer with the diocesan clergy at the Basilica of “Notre Dame de la Garde” and a moment of reflection with religious leaders.

On Saturday, the Holy Father will meet privately with people experiencing economic hardship.

Then, he will take part in the concluding session of the “Mediterranean Meetings”, before meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Source: Vatican News

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