Pope to visit Fatima to implore peace for Ukraine, entire world

Pope Francis is set to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima for the second time in his Pontificate. Fatima is where three shepherd children received a message in May 1917 from the Blessed Virgin Mary about the future of humanity.

The brief visit to Fatima, which will take place on Saturday, 5 August, via helicopter, was added to the papal pilgrimage to Portugal, which originally included only events in Lisbon for World Youth Day.

In May 2017, Pope Francis had already traveled to the renowned Marian shrine to canonize Francisco and Jacinta Marto, the two young visionaries, on the occasion of the apparitions’ centenary.

The fact that he has decided to return to the feet of Our Lady of Fatima holds significance and reflects the Pope’s intention to address the tragic war afflicting “martyred Ukraine”, attacked by the Russian army, as well as the numerous forgotten conflicts around the world. (Andrea Tornielli)