(April 04, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI will pray the rosary with the Italian bishops
when they gather for their general assembly later this month. Tthe Prefecture of the
Pontifical Household announced on Tuesday that the Pope has accepted the invitation
of Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, to lead
the rosary with the prelates. The Pope will go to Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major
on May 26 evening for the prayer. The prefecture statement explained that with this
prayer, the Italian bishops seek to emphasize their particular connection to Italy,
renewing their commitment to the Virgin Mother on the 150th anniversary of the unification
of Italy.