Pope entrusts Apostolic Journey to Mongolia to Our Lady

By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis traveled across Rome on Wednesday afternoon to make a brief stop at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

This is the 111th time the Holy Father has visited the Papal Basilica to pray at the icon before, or upon his return from, an Apostolic Journey. 

The Pope took a moment to pray before the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, according to the Holy See Press Office. 

He entrusted his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Mongolia to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Holy Father departs on the afternoon of Thursday, 31 August, for Ulaanbaatar and returns to Rome on Monday, 4 September.