Prayer of the Pope to Virgin Mary for Protection

O Mary, You always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and hope.

We rely on you, Health of the sick, You who, at the cross, united with Jesus’ pain, keeping steadfast your faith.

You, Salvation of the Roman people, you know what we need and we are sure that you will provide for, as at Cana of Galilee, may joy and celebration return after this trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do what we are told by Jesus,

Who has taken our suffering upon Himself and has burdened Himself with our sorrows to lead us through the cross, to the joy of resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not spurn the pleas of we who are in trial And free us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

(This is a CNS translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video March 11 for a special Mass and act of prayer asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during the coronavirus pandemic.)