“In the early afternoon of today Pope Francis reached the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and, on the eve of the Sunday of Palm and Holy Week, he stopped to pray in front of the Virgin icon, Salus Populi Romani”. The Vatican’s press room makes it known.
The Pope remained in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore about a quarter of an hour. At the end of his floral tribute, the Pope greeted a family and in particular a child to whom he offered a small tribute. The pope’s blitz, who arrived with oxygen noselli, was completely unexpected by the faithful in the Basilica. Many remained astonished and almost open -mouthed, while someone else screamed the Pope alive and in particular a faithful Mexican “Long live the Mexico!”.
Pope Francis Makes Surprise Visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, Prays Before Marian Icon
**Rome, Italy – April 12, 2025, 08:13 AM PDT** – Pope Francis, defying expectations amid his ongoing recovery, made an unannounced visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday afternoon, April 12, continuing his tradition of quiet pilgrimages to Rome’s cherished Marian shrine. The 88-year-old pontiff, fresh off a surprise St. Peter’s appearance last Sunday, slipped into the basilica to pray before the *Salus Populi Romani* icon—his “favorite,” per Vatican sources—marking another step in his cautious return to public life as Holy Week looms.
The Vatican Press Office confirmed Francis spent several minutes in silent prayer before the ancient image of the Virgin Mary, known as the “Protectress of the Roman People,” housed in the Pauline Chapel. No entourage or media throng accompanied him, just a small security detail, aligning with his low-key style. “He wanted to offer thanks and seek guidance,” a Vatican spokesperson told *ANSA*, noting the visit wasn’t on his public schedule. This mirrors his pattern—over 110 visits to the basilica since 2013, often before or after apostolic trips, though today’s was a standalone act of devotion.
Francis’s health, a focal point since his March 23 release from Gemelli Hospital for a respiratory infection, framed the visit’s significance. Still on respiratory and motor therapy, he’s skipped major events, delegating Palm Sunday Mass to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. Yet, his back-to-back “blitzes”—St. Peter’s to pray at St. Pius X’s tomb, now this—signal resilience. “He’s showing he’s still here, still connected,” one X user posted, capturing sentiment among supporters. Others mused, “Classic Francis—pops up where you least expect.”
Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, holds special weight for Francis, who in 2023 chose it as his burial site over St. Peter’s, breaking centuries of tradition. Its Holy Door, opened January 1 for the 2025 Jubilee, draws pilgrims seeking Mary’s intercession—Francis among them. Today’s visit, unlinked to Jubilee events, felt personal, especially with Easter’s uncertainty: the Vatican says his Triduum role remains a “last-minute” call.
As gold hits $3,200 and trade wars flare, Francis’s quiet prayer offered a counterpoint—a pontiff, frail but steadfast, leaning on faith over fanfare. Whether he’ll sustain this pace is unclear, but for now, his surprise at Santa Maria Maggiore has Rome talking.
