Following a tradition very dear to Francis, on this Tuesday morning, 19 September, the Pontiff left Casa Santa Marta and went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where, as usual, he paused in prayer before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, entrusting her with his forthcoming apostolic journey to Marseilles.

The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told reporters. He finally returned to the Vatican.

Francis will be the first Successor of Peter to visit the southern French city after five centuries. The presence of the Bishop of Rome will be part of the conclusion of the ‘Mediterranean Encounters’.