Pope prays at basilica before Strasbourg

(ANSA) - Rome, November 24 - Pope Francis prayed at the Rome Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Monday on the eve of his visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
    The pontiff prayed for about 30 minutes in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary 'Salus Populi Romani', seeking divine help in his trip, Father Federico Lombardi said.
    Francis also placed yellow and light-blue flowers, in homage to the European flag's colors, in front of the Marian icon in Rome's largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
    Pope Francis on Tuesday will speak to the European Parliament, the first time in 26 years a pontiff has addressed the Strasbourg body.
    That will be followed by meetings with officials including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.
    The pontiff will also meet with Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, as Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
    Later on Tuesday, Francis will speak to the Council of Europe before returning to Rome.
    The last official papal visit to the parliament was made in 1988 by Pope John Paul II.
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