Pope Francis is preparing to revisit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal this August.
This is meant to serve as a profound statement, aimed at invoking an end to the war in Ukraine and encouraging peace in other troubled corners of the globe.
His previous visit to Fatima took place in May 2017, during which he canonized the young seers Francisco and Jacinta Marto. These children were recipients of the celebrated 1917 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This impending visit reflects the Pope’s prior action in March 2022. Fulfilling a request from the Fatima apparitions, he consecrated both Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima holds historical resonance for multiple Popes of the 20th century.
Pope Benedict XV during World War I add the invocation “Queen of Peace, pray for us” shortly before the inaugural apparition at Fatima. Meanwhile, Pope John Paul II saw his own life’s events prophesied in the third secret of Fatima, associating it with his narrowly avoided assassination.
As Pope Francis plans his return to the hallowed shrine, the world awaits his message. His visit is expected to echo the peaceful overtures of past Popes, while also addressing the pressing global crises that currently threaten humanity’s unity and peace.
Pray for peace!
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