SW News: Pope Francis visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major to invoke Our Lady's protection for his impending apostolic journey to Mongolia. The Holy Father has now prayed at the icon at the Papal Basilica 111 times, each time before or after an apostolic journey.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope took a brief minute to pray in front of the historic image of Maria Salus Populi Romani. Pope Francis requested the prayers of the faithful on the eve of his departure for his apostolic journey to Mongolia. The Pope also mentioned his departure on Thursday evening in his speech to Spanish-speaking pilgrims at his weekly General Audience in the Vatican on Wednesday. Pope Francis will visit Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, as part of his 43rd apostolic journey from September 1–4.

Expectations are high as Mongolia prepares to receive a pope for the first time in its history.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, expressed the eagerness with which the country's small Catholic population is getting ready to receive the Holy Father in an interview with Vatican Media. Cardinal Parolin explains there is a great need for hope, a hope that is not an empty expectation, but that is based on faith and at the same time is transformed into personal and collective commitment. He said this is why the trip's motto, "Hoping together," is so important to understanding.

Mongolia is five times the area of Italy and has a population of around 3.3 million people. It is bordered by Russia and China.

Gerelmaa Davaasuren, Mongolia's ambassador to the Holy See, has also expressed gratitude for the historic visit, which she says will highlight Mongolia on the international stage and promote interfaith dialogue and respect for diverse beliefs, making a great contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.