Pope Francis entrusts World Youth Day pilgrims and Portugal visit to Our Lady

Pope Francis prays before the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Photo: CNS /Holy See Press Office

VATICAN (SE): On the afternoon of July 31, Pope Francis went to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome to pray before the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, ahead of his apostolic journey to Portugal and World Youth Day 2023, Vatican News reported.

The pope entrusted his journey and the thousands of young people he will meet in the coming days to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the Holy See Press Office.