In a heartfelt message commemorating the 150th anniversary of the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary arriving at the Shrine of Pompeii, Pope Francis calls for a renewal of devotion to the Rosary, highlighting its potential to support evangelization and bring spiritual comfort to all, especially in today’s world. In his letter addressed to Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, the papal delegate for the Shrine, Pope Francis underscores the need for families to embrace the Rosary as a source of unity, peace, and hope.

The Jubilee Year celebration planned by the Shrine of Pompeii will honor the arrival of this revered image, which has been central to the spiritual life of the faithful for a century and a half. Pope expressed his spiritual closeness to all those who will gather at the Marian temple of Pompeii, reflecting on the “sweet face of the Heavenly Mother” and seeking consolation in her intercession.

The painting’s arrival on November 13, 1875, marked the beginning of an era of renewed faith for Bartolo Longo, the lawyer and future founder of the Shrine, who had turned back to the Church after a period of spiritual darkness. In a profound moment of clarity, he felt called to spread devotion to the Rosary, hearing a voice urging him, “If you seek salvation, propagate the Rosary.” This transformative experience led to the establishment of the Shrine and has inspired generations of faithful.

This Jubilee Year, Pope Francis notes, is also providentially aligned with the broader context of the upcoming Jubilee Year focused on Christ as the world’s hope and the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which clarified Christ’s divine nature. These anniversaries, he explains, offer a unique opportunity to renew faith and deepen one’s connection with the divine mysteries of Christ.

Pope Francis emphasized the Rosary’s enduring power as a “simple tool accessible to everyone,” encouraging the faithful to “rediscover the Rosary in this perspective, to assimilate the mysteries of the life of the Savior” with Mary’s perspective. He reiterated that the Rosary has the capacity to bring people together, fostering family unity and strengthening bonds within homes.

“It is essential,” he added, “that young people see the Rosary as an act of love, not a repetitive or monotonous prayer.” By understanding it as a prayerful gesture filled with meaning, young people can recognize the Rosary as a source of peace and love, offering an opportunity to connect deeply with God.

For Pope, the Rosary is not only a source of personal consolation for the sick and suffering but also a “sweet chain that binds us to God” and a “chain of love” that serves as a spiritual embrace for the marginalized and those in need. This aspect of the Rosary, he explained, reflects the charity work that Bartolo Longo began, especially with orphans and children of prisoners, emphasizing that this legacy should be carried forward by the Shrine community with “renewed commitment.”

Pope Francis concluded his message by praying that Our Lady of Pompeii’s message continues to resonate, urging today’s society to rediscover paths of concord and fraternity. He hopes that the countless devotees of Our Lady worldwide will follow her example, remaining close to the Lord and serving their neighbors, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

As the Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of this cherished icon, Pope Francis invites all families and individuals to embrace the Rosary’s power as a prayer that unites, heals, and brings hope, encouraging them to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary as an essential part of daily life and a means of renewed evangelization.