“This icon of the Virgin Mary has a special history ... which represent death, into icons, symbols of life and spirituality ...

In his left hand is a staff, the symbol of a messenger ... towards Mary as he announces the blessing bestowed upon her [Mary] by God (detail). On the right side of the icon the Virgin sits on an ...

Pope Francis’ decision to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major is “surprising… but not novel,” according to ...