Basilica of St. Mary Major

The Latest

Pope Francis venerates the Salus Populi Romani icon in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Dec. 8, 2023.

Pope Francis changes statutes of papal basilica, emphasizing work of canons 

Mar 21, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

The new regulations place emphasis on spiritual work and pastoral care and appointing a coadjutor archpriest of the West’s oldest... Read more

The statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Six popes are buried at St. Mary Major; Pope Francis says he’ll be next

Dec 14, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

The pope said this week that a burial place has been prepared for him at Santa Maria Maggiore — who... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at his general audience Dec. 13, 2023, in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.

Pope Francis says that he wants to be buried in Marian basilica in new interview

Dec 13, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has said that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome because... Read more

Pope Francis greeted the crowd gathered outside of the hospital after he was discharged on the morning of April 1, 2023.

Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after 3 days in the hospital

Apr 1, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning after a three-night stay in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowd at his Sunday Angelus address on Jan. 29, 2023.

Pope Francis on World Day for Consecrated Life: Religious have ‘special role’ in the Church

Feb 2, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ message was read at the beginning of a Mass for consecrated men and women in Rome’s St. Mary... Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome

Dec 27, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more

Pope Francis prays the rosary for peace in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, May 31, 2022.

Pope Francis prays rosary for peace in Ukraine and around the world

May 31, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary in union with Marian shrines around the world. Read more

Pope Francis prays before Our Lady of Fatima May 13, 2015.

Ukraine war: Catholics invited to join Pope Francis in praying rosary for peace

May 26, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Vatican said: ‘All the faithful in every part of the world are invited to support Pope Francis in his... Read more

Pope Francis prays before the Salus Populi Romani icon in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major Dec. 8, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis appoints commissioner to oversee Rome basilica’s financial assets

Dec 15, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

St. Mary Major is one of four papal major basilicas in Rome. Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known nativity scene figurines can now be seen in St. Mary Major Basilica

Dec 23, 2020

By Courtney Mares

The first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.  Read more