The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy. Located at the foot of the volcano Vesuvius, its beauty and spiritual significance attract more than 3 million pilgrims each year. They come from all over the world to meet the Virgin Mary and Her Son by praying the Rosary.
The Rosary: A Prayer Based on the Gospel
Speaking about the Rosary, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, Archbishop of Pompeii, explains, “It is a prayer rooted in the Gospel, in the Word of God. It is entirely composed of the Word of God: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, which includes part of the Angel’s announcement and the words of Elizabeth. Then there is the doxology, the Gloria. Every ten Hail Marys we contemplate a different passage from the Gospel.”
The Shrine of Pompeii was founded by Bartolo Longo in the late 19th century. Originally a Satanic priest, Bartolo abandoned his previous path and embraced the Virgin Mary and the Rosary through the guidance of a Dominican priest. With the support of Countess Mariana di Fusco, he began to restore the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and established a confraternity of the Rosary.
A Place of Conversion and Pilgrimage for the Saints
Loredana Ciancio of Pompeii Catholic Action shares, “Pompeii is also a place of deep spiritual conversion. Many holy pilgrims have visited Pompeii. Think of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patroness of migrants, who came here, as did St. Maximilian Kolbe and the soon-to-be canonized Blessed Charles Acutis.” Over the years, several popes have made pilgrimages to this holy place, including Pope Benedict XVI, who offered a golden rose in 2008, and Pope Francis, who donated a golden rosary in 2015.
Bartolo Longo: A Legacy of Marian Devotion
Following in their footsteps, millions of faithful travel to Pompeii, praying at the feet of Our Lady of the Rosary and hoping for the canonization of Bartolo Longo. Declared blessed by Pope St. John Paul II in 1980, Longo is honored indirectly by many churches dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii around the world. Msgr. Caputo notes, “Now, Bartolo Longo is known all over the world, as there are many churches dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii in America, Asia, Europe, and even in Africa and the Middle East – and indirectly, these churches also honor Bartolo Longo.”
The Shrine of Pompeii remains an essential symbol of Marian devotion, where many seek spiritual comfort, healing and inspiration. Pilgrims are encouraged to recite the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, a powerful prayer composed by Bartolo Longo that invokes Mary’s intercession in a special way.
