Pope prays at St Mary Major ahead of Holy Week
Pope Francis goes to the Basilica of St Mary Major to pay homage to the Salus Populi Romani ahead of the start of Holy Week.
This handout photo taken and released on 12 April 2025 by The Vatican Media press service shows Pope Francis praying in Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Francis made a surprise visit on 12 April 2025 to his favorite Roman basilica, the Vatican press service said on Telegram. It was the fourth unscheduled appearance in recent days for the 88-year-old Pope, including one at the Vatican's Saint Peter's Basilica on 10 April 2025, despite doctors urging him to rest.
Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP