March 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) His first morning as Pope, Francis entrusted his pontificate to Our Lady, in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major. Accompanied by the archpriest of the basilica, Spanish Cardinal Santos Abril and also by
Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the Pope left flowers for Our Lady before heading to the Tabernacle.
After praying for about half an hour in silence, the Pope sang a hymn for Our Lady.
Afterward, he talked with Cardinal Santos Abril, in Spanish, as they made their way through the Basilica.
Before leaving, the pope was greeted with applause by those who work in the Basilica.
Everyone there wanted to greet the new Pope for the first time. In fact, a man asked Francis to bless his wife, who is five months pregnant. The Pope agreed.
“Please bless my son Holy Father. He is still in the womb.”
“Five months, five months Father.”
As he left the Basilica, many onlookers peeked through the windows. They cheered and applauded as the first Latin American Pope went back to the Vatican.
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