Portugal, Estremadura, Cova de Iria, Fatima. Pope Francis gives his blessings to the pilgrims during the candle procession that is considered as one the highlights of the Fatima pilgrimage.
On the 12th and 13th of May 2017 the shrine of Fátima celebrated the centenary of the (six in total) apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three poor shepherd children in Cova da Iria, the rural location where the shrine was erected following the events of 1917. Pope Francis canonised two of the three already deceased shepherd children in the presence of more than one million pilgrims from all over the world.
Each Portuguese has a strong and personal bond with the Fátima phenomenon whether one believes in the apparitions or not. What matters is the message of peace, light, hope and togetherness emanating from the events of 1917, highlighted by praying together during the pilgrimage on foot, promoting introspection and spirituality.