Pope Francis Urges Faithful to Pray to Our Lady of Fatima during General Audience
Pope Francis Urges Faithful to Pray to Our Lady of Fatima
During the General Audience, Pope Francis reminded the faithful to pray to Our Lady of Fatima, as 13 May marks the feast day of this beloved apparition. The Pope emphasized the importance of turning to Our Lady for intercession and guidance, especially during these challenging times.
Reflecting on the attack on the life of Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Francis highlighted the maternal intervention of the Holy Virgin in sparing his predecessor’s life. He also noted that the 100th anniversary of JPII’s birth falls on Monday, 18 May, and announced his plans to celebrate Mass at the Saint’s tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his prayers for peace in the world and an end to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to seek the spirit of penance and conversion through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. He specifically prayed for the young, the elderly, the sick, and newlyweds, asking for Our Lady’s protection and guidance in their lives.
The Pope also invited Catholics to pray the Rosary during this month of May, as it was a desire repeatedly expressed by the Madonna at Fatima. He emphasized that under her protection, the challenges of life become more bearable, and encouraged a deeper commitment to daily prayer.
Addressing the German-speaking faithful, Pope Francis stressed the importance of showing love to all people, especially during this time of social distancing. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill hearts with charity and joy, following the many examples of God’s love for humanity.
The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to three Portuguese children in 1917, urging them to pray for the world and the conversion of sinners, hold a special place in Catholic devotion. Pope St. John Paul II’s visits to Fatima and the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco in 2000 further solidified the significance of this Marian apparition.
As the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13 May, Pope Francis’s words serve as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking Our Lady’s intercession in our lives. Let us heed his call to turn to Our Lady of Fatima in times of need and trust in her maternal care and guidance.