Vatican City: As the candlelit glow of devotion lit the evening sky, Pope Leo XIV joined the faithful in a solemn Rosary procession on Saturday evening, marking the conclusion of the Marian month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The prayerful event unfolded within the serene surroundings of the Vatican Gardens, beginning at the Church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini and culminating at the Grotto of Lourdes.
The vigil commenced at 8:00 PM local time with a procession centered around the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. At each stop along the route—the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple—the faithful paused in reflection and prayer, drawing spiritual strength from the key moments of the lives of Mary and Jesus.
At the conclusion of the Rosary, Pope Leo XIV addressed those gathered at the Grotto. He spoke with heartfelt warmth, expressing his gratitude for being part of what he called a “gesture of faith,” in which the Church, in humility and unity, sought refuge and inspiration beneath the protective mantle of Mary. The Pope described the vigil as an expression of the spirit of the Jubilee Year, emphasizing themes of hope, spiritual pilgrimage, and communal praise.
Quoting Saint John Paul II, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Rosary’s dual essence—both Marian and Christ-centered—calling it a prayer deeply rooted in the heart of the Gospel. He then urged all present to view their lives through the lens of faith as a shared journey with Jesus, guided by the loving presence of Mary. “Let us walk with Mary,” he said, “as we did this evening, step by step, on the path of faith and devotion.”
Encouraging the faithful to offer daily praise to the Lord not just with words but through their actions and witness, Pope Leo invited all to live the Gospel with integrity and joy. He extended his personal thanks to everyone present, including Cardinals, Bishops, clergy, and religious. He gave special recognition to the Benedictine Sisters of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, honoring their quiet yet powerful contribution to the Church through constant prayer and spiritual support.
In closing, the Pope offered a prayer that the peace and unity experienced during the vigil would ripple outward—to homes, parishes, and ministries—strengthening the mission of the Church and renewing hearts in the love of Christ.