"And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 1 Peter 2:2-3


Later this month Pope Francis will head to Pompeii ahead of his March visit to Naples… rooting the trip in prayer.

Pompeii’s Archbishop, Tommaso Caputo speaking to Catholic News Agency beamed with pride as he spoke: 

“This seems to be a unique pilgrimage, from which this city of Mary will lead through the gateway of prayer. The road that leads to Mary is a fertile land for every pontificate,” he said, noting that this is all the more true for Francis, “the Pope who does not take a step of his travels in the world without first relying on Mary. It has become a habit for the Pope to entrust all of his apostolic and pastoral visits to Mary. Each time he goes on a trip, Francis stops and prays at his favorite Roman parish – the Basilica of St. Mary Major – when he returns, before heading to the Vatican.

We all know (Francis’) personal devotion to Mary, which has been manifested from the first moments of his election. One of the Pope’s greatest strengths is his love of praying the rosary,” he said, noting how Francis has often referred to it as “the prayer that always accompanies my life, also the prayer of simplicity and of the saints and the prayer of my heart.”

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3