The Salus Populi Romani, an icon of Mary dear to the heart of Pope Francis, held center stage during a great international vigil dedicated to life. Organized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the publication of St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae, the vigil took place on Tuesday, 24 March in St. Mary Major Basilica, and contemporaneously in the Marian sanctuaries of Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe. The purpose of the event, prepared by the Pontifical Council for the Family, was to thank God for the fruits produced by the ministry of life (especially that of St. John Paul II), as well as raise awareness of the benefits of prayer for life and recall eternal life, the destiny of every person.