Pope Francis visits Basilica of Saint Mary Major after trip to Cuba-USA

Pope Francis visits Basilica of Saint Mary Major after trip to Cuba-USA

Pope Francis greets well-wishers at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major - AP.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis visited the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Monday, after his arrival at Rome’s Ciampino Airport. The Pope had just concluded a 10-day Apostolic Voyage to Cuba and the United States.

The Holy Father brought flowers to put before the image of “Salus Populi Romani”,  a Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child located in the Basilica’s Pauline Chapel.

Pope Francis traditionally visits the icon before and after each of his Apostolic trips. 

On Monday, several people were waiting for the Pope’s arrival, and he greeted and waved at them. He had avoided the photographers before his departure on Saturday, 19 September, by visiting the icon the previous evening.

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