Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

PRESS RELEASE

POPE FRANCIS GIVES THE GOLDEN ROSE TO THE SALUS

On Friday 8 December 2023, on the occasion of the traditional visit to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis will pay homage to the venerated icon of the Salus Populi Romani with the Golden Rose.

The Golden Rose has ancient roots and symbolizes the papal blessing. The tradition of bestowing the Golden Rose dates back to the Middle Ages and, over the centuries, it has been given to monasteries, shrines, sovereigns and prominent personalities in recognition of their commitment to faith and the common good.

With the gift of the Rose to the Salus, Pope Francis underlines the spiritual importance and profound significance that this icon holds in the life of the Catholic Church, as it is also the oldest Marian shrine in the West dedicated to the Mother of God.

The Rose the Pope will donate is not the only one attributed to the Salus. The first one was donated in 1551 by Pope Julius III, who was deeply devoted to the Marian icon kept in the Basilica and where, on the Nativity altar, he had celebrated his first Mass.

In 1613 Pope Paul V donated the Golden Rose on the occasion of the translation of the venerated Icon to the new chapel erected for the purpose.

The Basilica has no trace of the two Golden Roses donated by the two Pontiffs, which were probably lost with the Napoleonic invasion of the Papal States (Treaty of Tolentino 1797).

After 400 years, the Pontiff has chosen to give a tangible sign of his devotion to the venerated icon, strengthening the age-old bond between the Catholic Church and the city of Rome.

On hearing the news of this homage, Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Basilica, expressed his joy, saying: “The gift of the Golden Rose is a historic gesture that visibly expresses Pope Francis' profound bond with the Mother of God, who is venerated in this shrine under the title of Salus Populi Romani. The people of God will be strengthened even more in their spiritual and devotional bond to the Blessed Virgin Mary. To the Salus we ask the gift of peace for the whole world”.

The Holy Father will give the Golden Rose on Friday 8 December 2023 at 15.30, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.