To mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the image of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii, Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to contemplate the life of Christ through Mary’s gaze during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
In a message to Archbishop Tommaso Caputo of Pompeii, the Pope emphasized the significance of the rosary in renewing evangelization and building peace. He stressed the importance of rediscovering the beauty of the rosary in families and homes, particularly among young people.
The 150th anniversary coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, which highlighted Christ’s divine-human mystery. Pope Francis suggested rediscovering the rosary in this context to assimilate the mysteries of Christ’s life.
Approximately 3 million pilgrims visit the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary annually to venerate the image of Our Lady of Pompeii. The image depicts Mary and the Child Jesus giving rosaries to St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena.
Pope Francis praised Blessed Bartolo Longo, the shrine’s founder, as an “apostle of the rosary” whose faith was revitalized by the motto “If you seek salvation, spread the rosary.” The Pope hopes Catholics will continue Longo’s legacy worldwide.
Archbishop Caputo emphasized the rosary’s significance as a prayer rooted in the Gospel and the word of God. The mission of Blessed Bartolo Longo to spread devotion to Our Lady and the rosary has gained global recognition.
Pope Francis expressed his hope that devotees of Our Lady of Pompeii will adhere faithfully to the Lord, bearing witness to others, especially those in need. He emphasized the importance of finding comfort and hope in Mary’s gentle face.
The Pope’s message serves as a reminder of the rosary’s power in fostering peace, hope, and spiritual growth. As the Catholic Church prepares for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the rediscovery of the rosary’s beauty is a timely invitation to deepen one’s faith.