On September 15, the final day of the 34th apostolic journey of his pontificate, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Sastin.

Following a prayer of entrustment to Our Lady with Slovakia’s bishops, Pope Francis presided at an outdoor Mass (video). “May Mary Most Holy obtain for you the grace of a faith that ever sets out anew, is deeply prophetic and abounds in compassion,” he said at the conclusion of his homily.

Following a farewell ceremony (video), the Pope returned to Rome and prayed at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. During his in-flight press conference, he discussed abortion and Catholic politicians who support it.