Pope Francis prays rosary for peace in Ukraine and around the world

Pope Francis on Tuesday prayed the rosary for peace in Ukraine and around the world.

The pope recited the rosary before the statue of Mary Regina Pacis (Mary, Queen of Peace) at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major on May 31, at the end of the Month of Mary.

The pope meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary in union with Marian shrines around the world, including the Shrine of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia, western Ukraine.

The shrines were connected via video link and shown on the Vatican’s live stream of the event.

Before the recitation of the rosary, a bouquet of white flowers brought by Pope Francis was placed at the foot of the statue and the pope read an introductory prayer.

“O Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, during the pandemic we gathered around You to ask for Your intercession. We asked You to support the sick and give strength to medical staff; we implored mercy for the dying and to wipe away the tears of those who suffered in silence and loneliness,” he said.

“This evening, at the end of the month especially consecrated to You, here we are again before You, Queen of Peace, to beseech You: grant the great gift of peace, end the war soon which has been raging for decades now in various parts of the world, and which has now invaded the European continent as well.”