At the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, Pope Francis is greeted by the Cardinal Archbishop of Marseille, Jean-Marc Aveline, and the rector. Once inside, the Pope spends a few moments in prayer in front of an image of Our Lady of the Guard.
After listening to readings from the Psalms and Old Testament, Pope Francis gives a greeting and offers a prayer to the Virgin.
The Basilica is also known as the Good Mother as she has been a symbol of hope and protection for sailors, fishermen and the people of Marseille. It was consecrated at 1864.
Immediately after, the Pope travels to the Monument to the Heroes and Victims of the Sea, built in 1923. There, he meets with different religious leaders and various delegations.
He listens to a reading from a young migrant and prayer intentions led by different organizations, including Caritas. At the conclusion, Pope Francis lays a wreath in front of the monument with two migrants and religious leaders.
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