Pope Francis & The Rosary: Vatican Events & Prayers | Latest News
Can a simple prayer, carried in one's pocket, truly transform hearts and heal the world? Pope Francis believed so deeply in the power of the Rosary that he urged Catholics to rediscover its beauty and embrace it as a source of strength and solace.
In Vatican City, on October 7, 2020, at 03:45 am, the call went out: a call to prayer, a call to unity, a call to the Rosary. Pope Francis, ever the shepherd, extended an invitation to all Catholics to delve anew into the profound beauty of this ancient prayer. He didn't just recommend it; he encouraged people to carry a Rosary with them, a tangible symbol of faith readily accessible in the everyday. The initiative wasn't merely symbolic; it was a practical step, an invitation to weave prayer into the fabric of daily life. This was a time when the world was grappling with uncertainties, and the Popes words offered a beacon of hope and a reminder of the spiritual resources available to all.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently highlighted the Rosary as a powerful means of connecting with God. He understood its potential to overcome the human tendency toward self-centeredness and to foster peace in the family, within society, and across the globe. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of prayer, especially during times of hardship and uncertainty. His teachings, steeped in humility and compassion, resonated with a global audience, inspiring countless individuals to seek solace and guidance through faith.
The echoes of prayer resonated throughout the Vatican, and beyond. The Vatican witnessed numerous Rosary recitations, particularly in moments of significance. One such instance was the prayer of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis, presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin in St. Peter's Square. Other gatherings included those led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, with the fourth evening Rosary being a poignant moment of remembrance for the Pope, on Thursday evening, April 24. Further illustrating the deep respect and affection, Cardinal Tagle led the evening prayer at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the Pope was later brought for burial following the funeral on Saturday, April 26. Another significant prayer was held at the Vatican, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the day after Pope Francis death on April 22, 2025.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican City hosted an evening of Rosary prayers in St. Peter's Square, which followed the announcement of Pope Francis's passing earlier that day. This somber gathering reflected the deep sorrow and collective faith of the Catholic community. It underscored the enduring relevance of the Rosary as a source of comfort and strength in times of loss and transition. The prayerful atmosphere helped to provide solace and a shared sense of unity during the difficult moments of mourning.
In moments of health concerns, the faith community rallied in prayer. After Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia, the Vicariate of Vatican City initiated a regular evening Rosary for the Pope's health. These prayers were led by cardinals in Rome, and they served as a visible demonstration of the faithful's support and hope for their leaders recovery. Such prayer initiatives showcase the interconnectedness of the global church community, united in their commitment to pray for one another, particularly when facing adversity.
On the occasion of the Popes passing, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presided over a Rosary in memory of Pope Francis on Thursday evening at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy. This served as a time for collective remembrance and reflection on the pontiff's legacy. The Basilica holds a special significance as the place where the late pontiff would be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26. The choice of location emphasized the solemnity and importance of this gathering, adding a layer of reverence.
The announcement of Pope Francis death on Monday, coupled with the knowledge of his 88 years and a serious bout of double pneumonia, brought a wave of mourning and reflection. The churchs response was immediate and consistent with the teachings of the deceased pope: a reliance on faith and prayer. The prayers that followed, led by various cardinals, exemplified the community's desire to honor the Popes legacy while also providing support to those who grieved his loss. The Rosary served as an instrument of comfort and unity, in line with the pontiff's own encouragement. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, led the faithful in prayer, underlining the importance of the Rosary in this time of mourning.
The essence of the Rosary, according to Pope Francis, is its capacity to open hearts to God, transcend selfishness, and bring about peace. He often quoted from the book "Mother Mary: Inspiring Words from Pope Francis," which highlighted how the Rosary offers a pathway to spiritual fulfillment. It is a prayer fully immersed in the Gospel, allowing one to reflect on the pivotal events of Jesuss life through the eyes of Mary. This message was consistent with Pope Franciss consistent encouragement of this devotion, especially during the month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Moreover, Pope Francis consistently sought Marys intercession, asking her to "untie the knots of selfishness and disperse the dark clouds of evil" and to "fill us with her tenderness." His prayerful requests underscored the significance of faith and reliance on divine guidance. The Popes prayers provide a powerful example of how to approach difficult situations with faith and humility.
The Vatican's announcement of an evening Rosary for the Holy Fathers health, starting on a Monday in St. Peter's Square, was another illustration of this. In response to the sentiments of the people of God, the Cardinals, collaborators of the Roman Curia, and the Diocese of Rome would meet in prayer. The Holy See Press Office released a statement announcing an invitation by Pope Francis to all the faithful to join in praying the Rosary during the month of October.
In his call to prayer, Pope Francis highlighted three aspects of the Rosary that should encourage its regular recitation. The holy father emphasized the importance of the Annunciation, the pivotal moment in history when the world changed. He referred to the homily delivered on December 20, 2018, at Santa Marta, where he described the Annunciation as a moment of immense change. Pope Francis often emphasized the significance of prayer during times of both joy and sorrow. The emphasis on the Rosary also reflected the Pope's desire for the faithful to find strength and inspiration in their faith.
The Vatican announced that cardinals would lead a nightly Rosary in St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis's recovery, with the first prayer service scheduled for 9 p.m. The initiative showed the Catholic Church's ongoing commitment to prayer and solidarity. The faithful around the world were invited to participate, creating a worldwide wave of prayer for their leaders well-being.
The prayer of the Holy Rosary, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, brought people together in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. The Vatican also announced a new prayer initiative as Pope Francis continued his recovery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Beginning Monday evening, cardinals would lead a nightly Rosary in St. Peter's Square, showcasing the global communitys dedication to prayer. This global effort underscored how the church unites during times of both challenge and hope.
In his pontificate, Pope Francis has offered fresh insights into the gospel, and the Rosary has served as a vehicle for these insights. His meditations on the mysteries of the Rosary, drawn from his writings and speeches, offer guidance. The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries have served as springboards for deeper reflection and prayer.
The faithful are encouraged to download and print the Rosary prayers from Pope Francis to add them to their family rosary. In essence, the popes words offer a call to deeper engagement with the Gospel, urging a daily practice of prayer that would bring comfort and solace to individuals across the globe. The practice demonstrates a unity in faith during times of both sorrow and hope.
The Rosary prayers are available, offering insights into the heart of Pope Franciss spirituality, inviting the faithful to experience the power of prayer and to connect with the Divine in a meaningful way.
