Today at noon, Pope Francis went to St. Mary Major Basilica to give thanks to the Blessed Mother for her protection and for the successful journey to Albania, Vatican Radio reported.
As he has done in the past, the Pope prayed quietly in the chapel of the icon «Maria, Salus Populi Romani,» and then presented a bouquet of flowers that he received last night in Albania during his final visit to the Bethany Centre for disabled children.
The faithful present in the basilica joined the Holy Father in singing the Salve Regina before the Pope returned back to the Vatican around 12:30 p.m.