Praying in thanksgiving

After having landed at Rome’s Ciampino Airport last night, Pope Francis traveled to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore this morning to offer thanks for the success of his two-day Apostolic Visit to Morocco, March 30-31.

It is already a usual detour for the Holy Father to go to the Marian Basilica; he always venerates the icon before and after his international apostolic trips.

During his time inside, Pope Francis prayed before the ancient image of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, in silence for several minutes.