Giving thanks for the trip

Moments after landing in Rome’s Ciampino Airport this afternoon, Pope Francis traveled to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to offer thanks for the success of his eight-day Apostolic Trip to Peru and Chile.

Each time that the Holy Father travels outside of Italy, he stops - both before he leaves and after he returns - at the Basilica to venerate the icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani.

During his time inside the Basilica this afternoon, Pope Francis prayed before the ancient image in silence for several minutes.