A prayer for Albania

In the late afternoon hours yesterday, the Holy Father, Pope Francis went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for a private visit during which he prayed, kneeling in silence before the image of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populii Romani, on the vigil of his Apostolic Voyage to Albania.

The Pope had also prayed here prior to his previous voyages in other countries.  His prayer was accompanied by a simple gesture of homage as he placed a small bouquet of flowers on the altar in front of the image of Our Lady.

His Holiness was present in the Basilica for about 30 minutes, during which time, the doors of the church were closed to the public for security reasons.