Pope Francis visits St. Mary Major ahead of trip to Lesbos

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis made his customary visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome on Thursday evening, ahead of his Apostolic Journey to the Greek island of Lesbos this Saturday.

During the course of his 30-minute visit to the Salus populi Romani icon, the Holy Father presented a bouquet of white and blue roses - the colors of the Greek flag - to the ancient Marian icon before pausing for a moment of silent prayer.

The Vatican released the official program of Holy Father's visit to Lesbos earlier on Thursday.