GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why praying to her means so much to so many.

Why Popes and Catholics Pray to the Virgin Mary 6d , May 17 -- In his first public blessing as pope, Leo XIV concluded with a "Hail Mary," after commemorating the feast of Our Lady of Pompei.

I write regarding the May 18 article “Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary.” The Associated Press article in the Maine Sunday Telegram, about the Virgin Mary, gave a good ...

Maronite Catholics in Sydney have filmed a painting of the Virgin Mary moving its lips in prayer, believing a miracle is occurring in their church. Parishioners at Saint Charbel's Maronite ...

Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary The veneration of Virgin Mary is central to Catholics, from popes to the ordinary faithful. Giovanna Dell'orto.

Since the 19th century, May has been devoted to the Virgin Mary — though already in Greek and Roman times, goddesses of fertility were celebrated in this month of springtime blooming, she added.

Different icons, common prayers. How Mary is represented, however, varies greatly across time and places, Harris added. There are “Black” Virgin Marys — dark-skinned paintings and statues ...