On 16 September, Friday, the Holy Father went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to thank the Virgin Salus Populi Romani for her last papal trip.
As reported by the Holy See, as soon as he finished the prayer he went back to the Vatican. The Pope arrived in Kazakhstan last Tuesday, September 13. This small country in Central Asia with a Muslim majority where only 1% of the population is Catholic.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has a special meaning for Pope Francis.
On the first day of his pontificate, 14 March 2013, to entrust his Petrine ministry to the Mother of God before the ancient icon of Mary ‘Salus Populi Romani’, protector of the Roman people.
Since then, every time he undertakes an international trip, Pope Francis goes to this basilica to pray before and after every time he undertakes an international trip for the best outcome of his apostolic trip.