Hundreds of Thousands Gather at Fatima Sanctuary for Prayer
On Monday, hundreds of thousands of faithful gathered at the Fatima sanctuary in Portugal to pray for newly-appointed Pope Leo XIV and global peace. This revered Catholic site, located less than 150 kilometers north of Lisbon, welcomed approximately 270,000 pilgrims from Portugal, Spain, Poland, and distant countries including the U.S., Paraguay, Mauritius, and Taiwan.
Fatima Sanctuary Draws Devotees Worldwide
Every May 12 and 13, thousands journey to Fatima to honor the Virgin Mary’s first apparition to three shepherd children in 1917. Many pilgrims walk long distances to participate in the solemn celebrations, culminating in a candlelight procession that lights up the evening sky. The Catholic Church holds that the Virgin Mary appeared six times that year, revealing the so-called three secrets of Fatima, later interpreted to foretell key historical events such as the persecution of Christians under Communism and the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.
Prayers for Pope Leo XIV and Global Peace
During his first address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to embrace peace and end conflicts. His appeal resonated with many gathered at Fatima, who prayed fervently not only for the new pope but also for an end to wars worldwide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently spoke with the pontiff about ceasefire proposals amid the ongoing war with Russia, highlighting the pope’s growing role in global peace efforts.
Voices from the Pilgrims
Conceicao Teixeira, a 77-year-old pilgrim from Portugal, expressed hope that Pope Leo would continue the legacy of his predecessor, emphasizing “the hearts (of men) are very hard, people do not stop to think and there is so much inhumanity, indifference and iniquity.” She shared her thoughts just before the candlelight procession began. Meanwhile, Christel, a 41-year-old pilgrim from Mauritius, described the new pope as someone “who will make peace and try to get everyone along with him.” Paraguayan pilgrim Oscar Guarin, 52, also praised Pope Leo as a leader “very close to the poor and very simple,” echoing sentiments held by many who admire Pope Francis.
The gathering at Fatima sanctuary stands as a powerful testament to faith and hope, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared prayer for peace and the guidance of Pope Leo XIV.
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