The Popes and the Rosary

Rooted in the Dominican spiritual tradition of the Rosary, the holy Pope Pius V (1504-1572) played a role in its promotion, thanks to the institution of the feast of Our Lady of Victories, later renamed Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7 in memory of the victory of Lepanto. In addition, his bull Consueverunt Romani Pontifices, dated September 17, 1559, promoted the devotion of the Rosary, attributing it to St. Dominic, and pointing to its efficacy in intercession and sanctification.

Many other popes have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. Leo XIII, known as the "Pope of the Rosary", did much to promote this devotion: it was he who named October the "Month of the Rosary" in 1887 and who dedicated no less than 11 encyclicals to the Rosary. 

In 2002, Pope John Paul II added a fourth cycle to the traditional three series of mysteries: the Luminous Mysteries, corresponding to the public life of Christ, from his Baptism and to his Passion.

Finally, in keeping with political, economic and Church events, the popes have never ceased to encourage the prayer of the Rosary, because of the fruits it can bear for both individuals and whole communities: 

Leo XIII, in condemning the evils of the industrial revolution; Pius XI, at the onset of National Socialism; St. John XXIII, for the upcoming Ecumenical Council; St. Paul VI, who recommended the recitation of the Rosary as a family, as well as St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, who organized a prayer marathon in May 2021 to ask for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

Isabelle Rolland, Le Rosaire, présent du Ciel et chemin de sainteté (The Rosary, Gift from Heaven and Path to Holiness)