Archbishop Emilio Nappa presides over Rosary for Pope Francis, animated by the Governorate

“Tonight too, we are gathered in prayer for the Holy Father and his intentions, in particular for peace and good in the world and for the sanctification of the Church”, said Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, as he presided over the Rosary for Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Square, on Saturday morning, 15 March.

During the Rosary for the Pontiff’s health, animated by the Governorate, Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate, read the five joyful mysteries and the Gospel passages at the start of each decade of the Hail Mary, starting with the angel’s announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus. The Hail Mary was read by Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi (lawyer), Secretary General of the Governorate.

The Hail Marys of the second joyful mystery in which Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, were recited by Simone Valentino of the Fire Brigade, while Mr. Domenico Sandulli of the Directorate for Infrastructures and Services recited the Hail Marys of the third joyful mystery: Jesus, the Son of God is born to the Virgin Mary. Mr. Davide Follin, of the Directorate for the Economy, recited the Hail Marys of the fourth mystery: Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Temple and lastly, Mr. Gian Franco Venditti of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, recited the decades of the fifth mystery: Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple among the doctors.

After singing the Salve Regina, Archbishop Nappa recited the Litany of Loreto and the Oremus pro Pontifice prayer, after which, he imparted his blessing to all those present -- cardinals, bishops, men and women religious, the faithful and employees of the Governorate.