Even many of the less-than-devout know what it means to throw a Hail Mary. The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why ...

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.

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.

GENAZZANO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV closed his first public blessing as pontiff with a Hail Mary, after invoking the feast day of Our Lady of Pompei. On his first papal trip, he went to the ...

GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — Pope Leo XIV closed his first public blessing as pontiff with a Hail Mary, after invoking the feast day of Our Lady of Pompei. On his first papal trip, he went to the ...

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.