National Catholic Register
Pope Francis venerates the Salus Populi Romani icon in the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Dec. 8, 2023.
The Basilica of St. Mary Major is home to the relic of the Holy Cradle and the icon of Salus Populi Romani; it has been an important place for Pope Francis, who prays there before and after all of his apostolic journeys.