More than 30,000 pilgrims, including rectors and volunteers from Marian shrines as well as members of Marian movements, confraternities, and prayer groups, gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on Saturday, 11 October, to pray the Most Holy Rosary together in a prayer vigil led by Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father himself requested that the Vigil be dedicated to praying for “the gift of peace”. The event was part of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, held on 11 and 12 October, which began with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and included opportunities for confession in the various Jubilee Churches.
In his reflection during the Rosary, Pope Leo invited the faithful to “persevere tirelessly in praying for peace, a God-given gift that we must strive to receive and to which we must make a strong commitment”. In a passionate appeal for disarmament, he insisted that we should never let Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane — “Lay down your sword” — “fall to the ground”.