Pope Leo XIV Leads Rosary to Mark Conclusion of Marian Month

Vatican City, 1 June, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV joined the faithful on 31 May evening to mark the conclusion of the Marian month with a candlelit Rosary procession in the Vatican Gardens. The vigil began at 8 PM outside the Church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini and made its way to the Grotto of Lourdes.

Participants followed the path of the Joyful Mysteries, pausing at each station to reflect on key moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple.

At the conclusion of the procession, the Holy Father addressed those gathered at the Grotto, expressing his joy in being part of what he described as “a gesture of faith through which, in a simple and devout way, we gather under the maternal mantle of Mary.”

Pope Leo XIV linked the vigil to the spirit of the Jubilee Year, which emphasises themes of praise, journey, hope, and faith. He recalled the words of St. John Paul II, who described the Rosary as “a prayer with a Marian character and a Christological heart” that conveys the depth of the Gospel message.

Encouraging all present to view their lives as a journey of faith, the Pope said, “Let us then look at our lives as a journey following Jesus, to be walked, as we did this evening, together with Mary.” He urged the faithful to seek the grace to praise the Lord daily, not only through words but through their actions.

Pope Leo XIV also extended his thanks to those in attendance, including Cardinals, Bishops, priests, and consecrated persons. He gave special thanks to the Benedictine Sisters of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery for their “affection and gratitude” and their steadfast support through “hidden and constant prayer.”

He concluded by expressing his hope that the peace and unity felt during the vigil would extend into participants’ homes, communities, and service to the Church.

Courtesy: Vatican News