GENAZZANO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV made headlines not just for his first public blessing as pontiff, but for how he ended it — with a heartfelt Hail Mary on the feast day of Our Lady of Pompei. On his first official trip, he visited the centuries-old Sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, and later paused to pray at Pope Francis’ tomb in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Those moments highlight just how central the Virgin Mary is to Catholic life — from the highest ranks of the Vatican to everyday believers lighting candles in chapels around the world.

Why Mary Matters So Much

Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a unique place in Christian tradition. The foundational title “Mother of God” (or Theotokos, in Greek) was affirmed after intense theological debate in the early centuries of Christianity. It’s one of many titles Catholics have given Mary over time — each reflecting different aspects of her story, appearances, and significance.

“She’s almost like a spiritual guide for every situation,” says Kayla Harris, director of the Marian Library at the University of Dayton. “There’s a Mary for everything.”

That diversity explains why the Rosary — a prayer centered around Mary — remains one of the most popular devotions among Catholics. From grand processions to quiet chapel prayers, Marian devotion remains at the heart of the faith.

The Many Faces of Mary

Throughout history and across cultures, Mary has been portrayed in countless ways — from Black Madonnas like Brazil’s Virgin of Aparecida to images of her pregnant or as an older woman. In Genazzano, a famous 15th-century painting shows Mary cradling the child Jesus, his tiny fingers touching her neck — a striking, intimate image that invites worshippers to look toward Christ through Mary.

Though she is venerated with deep love and reverence, the Catholic Catechism is clear: Mary is not worshipped. Worship is reserved for God alone. Mary is honored as an intercessor — a compassionate mother who brings prayers to her son on behalf of the faithful.

May: A Month for Mary

May is traditionally dedicated to Mary, a time of blooming flowers and spiritual renewal. The practice began in the 19th century, but its roots stretch back to ancient springtime celebrations of fertility and motherhood. Fittingly, Mother’s Day — celebrated in May in countries like the U.S. and Italy — often coincides with Marian devotions.

At Pope Leo’s first Sunday blessing, thousands gathered at noon, a traditional time to recite the Regina Coeli — a prayer honoring Mary during Easter season.

Faith and Motherhood

In Genazzano’s hilltop chapel, where the Marian icon of Good Counsel resides, local mothers come daily to pray for their children. Anastasia Galizia, a lifelong resident, says Mary has been her spiritual companion since childhood.

“I ask her how to love her son,” she said. “And I pray for conversion — for myself, my family, and for the world.”

In Rome’s Basilica of St. Augustine, mothers also flock to two sacred spots: a statue known as the Labor Madonna, where expectant mothers pray, and the tomb of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, who prayed fervently for her son’s return to the faith.

“We welcome many moms here,” said the Rev. Pasquale Cormio, the basilica’s rector. “They ask the Lord to touch the hearts of their children who have drifted away.”

Source: AP News – Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary

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