For the first time in his 11-year papacy Pope Francis marked the feast of the dedication of his favourite Roman basilica by celebrating Vespers there, including praying for the Virgin Mary to intercede in obtaining the gift of peace for the world.
Speaking during a special 5 August Vespers service marking the Feast of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major, one of four papal basilicas in Rome, the Pope asked Mary to intercede in obtaining “peace, that peace which is true and lasting only when it flows from repentant and forgiven hearts; that peace which comes from the Cross of Christ, and from his Blood that he took from Mary and shed for the remission of sins”.
