WIKIMEDIA COMMONS - Sixtus

Returning From Mexico, Pope Stops at Santa Maria Maggiore

After Having Spent Time Praying to Mary in Guadalupe, Francis’ 1st Stop Upon Return to Rome Is to Pray Again Before Her in Marian Basilica

febrero 18, 2016 11:22Deborah Castellano LubovMeetings

Moments after landing in Rome’s Ciampino Airport this afternoon, Pope Francis traveled to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to offer thanks for the success of his Apostolic Trip to Mexico, Feb. 12-17, which ended yesterday.
Before returning to the Vatican, after landing safely at Rome’s Ciampino Airport, the Pope made his usual detour to go to the Marian Basilica, reported Vatican Radio.
The Holy Father always venerates the icon before and after his international apostolic trips.
During his time inside, Francis prayed before the ancient image of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, in silence for several minutes, and left flowers for the Blessed Mother.

febrero 18, 2016 11:22Meetings

Deborah Castellano Lubov

View all articles

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/