Pope Francis to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

On April 18th, not long after the inauguration (or instalment or whatever they're calling it now) of Pope Francis, Walt predicted that the Holy Father would do something... soon... to fulfill the request of Our Lady of Fatima.

The immediate cause for (perhaps premature) rejoicing was the Holy Father's request to the bishops of Portugal to reconsecrate that nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. That was soon done, and further consecrations followed, notably in the Middle East where, sadly, nothing seems to have changed. In fact, things have arguably gotten worse. Len will explain why in a moment.

The explanation is necessary in light of today's announcement from the Vatican that Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a ceremony on October 13th, the 96th anniversary of the final appearance of the Blessed Virgin at Fatima.

For the occasion, the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be brought to the Vatican from the shrine in Portugal, for public veneration on October 12th, followed by the consecration ceremony the following day. Pope Francis will also speak on Marian devotion, preside at Eucharistic Adoration, and lead the Holy Rosary with audio links to Marian shrines around the world.

All well and good. By this act, we can see that the Holy Father believes in the Fatima Message, and acknowledges the correctness of what his predecessor said, that the Message of Fatima is still valid today. Seemingly he acknowledges that the Blessed Virgin holds Heaven's Key to Peace.

Sadly, his plan to consecrate the world stops short of doing what Our Lady of Fatima asked. Her request was not for the consecration of the world, but for the solemn and public Consecration of Russia, by name, by the Pope acting in unison (at the same time) with all the bishops of the world.

Sister Lucia, chosen by Heaven to receive Our Lady's Message, was quite clear about that. After Pope Pius XII had consecrated the world (in a radio braodcast, no less), Sister Lucia said that act was insufficient.

She did not speak out after another consecration by John Paul II -- she had been silenced by the Vatican by that time -- but the late pope acknowledged prayer that he knew Our Lady was still waiting. Here's what he said in his prayer for the consecration of the world in 1984.

"Mother of the Church! Enlighten especially the peoples of which You Yourself await our consecration and entrustment.”

He died without ever asking for the Consecration of Russia by name. Nor was Benedict XVI permitted by the Curial promoters of Ostpolitik to do as Our Lady asked. Will Pope Francis be able to break the chains that bind him? He has been known to speak his own mind. Perhaps on October 13th he will speak his heart too!