Pope leads millions prayer in Portugal shrine

Lisbon, May 13:Pope Francis participated in the prayer of 300,000 people before Fatima's Lady of Image during the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's appearance to young siblings in Portugal.

Looking out on a plaza illuminated by hundreds of thousands of candles, the Argentine pontiff on Friday evening delivered a benediction and a message in Portuguese, Efe news reported.

He then stood silently for nearly 10 minutes, gazing at the image of Our Lady, before taking a seat and, with head bowed, praying the Rosary along with the faithful gathered in Fatima for the centenary.

Many of the pilgrims planned to spend the night on the plaza to await Mass on Saturday morning.

The pope will officiate at Saturday's Mass for the canonization of seven-year-old Jacinta Marto and her brother Francisco, nine, who said that the Virgin Mary had appeared to them on May 13, 1917.

Some years later, the brothers died,but their cousin Lucia Dos Santos became nuns at the age of 10,and 14 years later,"Three Secrets" Mary wrote to children.

While the myth of Fatima is encircling in mystery, the Catholic Church has partnered with the apocalyptic perspectives and prophecies of 1981 endeavors in the life of World War II, World War II, and Pope John Paul II.