Basilica of St. Mary Major
The Latest
Pope Leo XIV prays before the icon of Mary, ‘Health of the Roman People,’ in St. Mary Major
Pope Leo XIV prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following the Mass where he took possession of the... Read more
Pope Francis buried in beloved Marian basilica after coffin crosses Rome in popemobile
The pope’s burial site, at his request, is the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four papal basilicas... Read more
7 popes are buried at St. Mary Major; Pope Francis will soon be the eighth
Pope Francis will be buried today at Santa Maria Maggiore — who are the other popes buried there? Read more
First pilgrims begin to line up 12 hours ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral
The first of thousands of pilgrims were already lining up along the streets to catch a glimpse of the late... Read more
Preview of Pope Francis’ tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica
Pope Francis’ tomb is made of Ligurian (Italian) marble with the sole inscription “FRANCISCUS” and a reproduction of his pectoral... Read more
PHOTOS: Holy Door opens at Rome’s Marian marvel as new cardinal highlights hope at St. Mary Major
The distinctive dong of an ancient bell accompanied the opening of the Holy Door at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary... Read more
The little-known story of a saint’s Christmas vision of the infant Jesus in Rome
The experience of the newborn Jesus occurred within the storied walls of the Marian basilica’s Chapel of the Nativity, where... Read more
Pope Francis prays rosary for peace on eve of first anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, the pope implored Our Lady, Queen of... Read more
Pope Francis: ‘Miracle of the Snow’ reminds us of Mary and the wonder of grace
During the second vespers on the solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows at the Basilica of St. Mary Major... Read more
Pope Francis celebrates ‘Miracle of the Snow’ at Basilica of St. Mary Major
A shower of white rose petals fell from the basilica’s ceiling symbolizing the miracle promised by Our Lady. Read more
Pope Francis to attend ‘Miracle of the Snow’ commemoration in Rome
Each year white rose petals fall from the ceiling of the papal Marian basilica in commemoration of a miraculous snowfall... Read more
Pope Francis changes statutes of papal basilica, emphasizing work of canons
The new regulations place emphasis on spiritual work and pastoral care and appointing a coadjutor archpriest of the West’s oldest... Read more
Pope Francis says that he wants to be buried in Marian basilica in new interview
Pope Francis has said that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome because... Read more
Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after 3 days in the hospital
Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning after a three-night stay in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Read more
Pope Francis on World Day for Consecrated Life: Religious have ‘special role’ in the Church
Pope Francis’ message was read at the beginning of a Mass for consecrated men and women in Rome’s St. Mary... Read more
First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome
The first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more
Pope Francis prays rosary for peace in Ukraine and around the world
The pope meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary in union with Marian shrines around the world. Read more
Ukraine war: Catholics invited to join Pope Francis in praying rosary for peace
The Vatican said: ‘All the faithful in every part of the world are invited to support Pope Francis in his... Read more
Pope Francis appoints commissioner to oversee Rome basilica’s financial assets
St. Mary Major is one of four papal major basilicas in Rome. Read more
First known nativity scene figurines can now be seen in St. Mary Major Basilica
The first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. Read more
