In a letter addressed to the Pontifical Delegate of the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, on the occasion of the Jubilee Year for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the painting of the Virgin, Pope Francis stressed the importance of praying the Rosary. This act of devotion, which began with Bartolo Longo in Pompeii, continues to be a source of hope, consolation and unity for the faithful throughout the world.
A prayer accessible to all
The Pope emphasizes that the Rosary is a “simple prayer” that can contribute to the renewal of evangelization in the Church. In particular, Francis called on young people to rediscover this devotion not as something repetitive, but as an expression of inexhaustible love. This prayer not only consoles the sick, but also “ties them to God” and becomes an “embrace for the marginalized.” The Pope encourages young people to see the Rosary as a chain of love that connects them with those most in need and with God.
The legacy of Bartolo Longo and commitment to charity
The Pontiff also recalled the tireless work of Bartolo Longo, who, through his devotion to the Rosary and his “Fifteen Saturdays,” spread a message of hope and charity among the inhabitants of the Valley of Pompeii. The Pope encourages the continuation of the initiatives of the Sanctuary, which remain a testimony to the “spiritual legacy” of Longo, highlighting his profound work in caring for the most disadvantaged.
The painting of Our Lady of the Rosary and its message of hope
Pope Francis also reflected on the history of the painting that arrived in Pompeii in 1875, the work of a fervent spiritual commitment. The image shows Our Lady with Jesus, handing the beads of the Rosary to St. Catherine of Siena and St. Dominic. The Pope recalls how, through the action of Longo, the Rosary spread as a means of salvation. Francis also highlighted the link between this devotion and the papal magisterium, from Leo XIII to the apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae of St. John Paul II, which at the time revitalized the Rosary worldwide.
A Jubilee of hope for humanity
The Pope emphasizes that the celebration of the Jubilee of the painting of Our Lady of Pompeii coincides providentially with the Jubilee Year of Jesus and the 17th centenary of the Council of Nicaea. This connection underlines the importance of Marian devotion as a means of understanding and living the divine mysteries of the life of Christ, in the light of the Trinity.
The Pope’s blessing
In his letter, Francis also recalled his visit to the Shrine in 2015, thanking the people for the manifestations of faith experienced in this “Marian oasis.” In this context, he invoked grace for the region of Campania, especially for those who are going through difficult times, and offered his blessing to all those taking part in the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Pope invites the faithful to make the Rosary a tool of peace, unity and evangelization, in a time of need, hope and harmony for humanity.
