AS is customary after trips
abroad, Pope Francis prayed at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria
Maggiore (St Mary Major) Monday on his return from a six-day
trip to Colombia.
The pontiff prayed for about 30 minutes in front of the
icon of the Virgin Mary 'Salus Populi Romani' (Health of the
Roman People), thanking God for the success of his apostolic
visit to the South American country where he boosted
reconciliation after a 52-year conflict between the government
and FARC rebels.
Francis also placed flowers in front of the Marian icon in
Rome's largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Just before landing Francis sent a customary message to
Italian President Sergio Mattarella saying he was saying a
special prayer for the good of Italy.
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