Pope Francis will pray a rosary for peace in Ukraine in front of an image of Mary, Queen of Peace in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
This image was commissioned in 1918 by Pope Benedict XV to pray for the end of the First World War. A Ukrainian family, victims of the war and several military chaplains and their respective corps will be in attendance.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the end of the war. On Good Friday, he asked for a moment of prayerful silence, in March, he consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and on Ash Wednesday, he held a day of fasting and prayer.
POPE FRANCIS
And now I would like to make an appeal to everyone—believers and non-believers. Jesus taught us that the evil senselessness of violence is answered with the weapons of God, that is, with prayer and fasting.
Several shrines in other countries in crisis situations will join in this prayer. Among them are two cathedrals in Syria and Iraq.
During this month of May, recitation of the rosary in the Vatican has intensified at Pope Francis' request and every Saturday there are torchlight processions in honor of Our Lady.
RM
TR: KG
