The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25.
It will take place during the Celebration of Penance in St. Peter's Basilica.
In Fatima, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will perform the same act on the same day as the Pope. He is the head of the Office of Papal Charities, and recently traveled through Ukraine as the Pope's envoy.
The date of the consecration carries deep significance. On the same day in 1984, Pope John Paul II consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in St. Peter's Square.
In Pope Francis' last Angelus, pilgrims touted a banner urging the Pope to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It seems he was paying attention, and now will make yet another powerful gesture, to try to bring the war to a peaceful conclusion.
JM
