pilgrimage

Just one week ago, Pope Francis graced St. Peter's Square, leading many to believe his health was stabilizing, if not improving. However, within hours, the world learned that his heartfelt welcoming of pilgrims this Easter Sunday during a Jubilee Year would mark one of his final public appearances. In the days that followed, Rome bid farewell to its pope and bishop through a lying-in-state and a funeral that, while more intimate than previous papal farewells, nonetheless became a significant international event. As…

The price tag for Somali pilgrims heading to the Hajj in 2025 has shot up to a whopping $4,604. This price surge reflects the inflating costs of travel and accommodation in Saudi Arabia, as per the Somali Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. This fee is meant to cover everything from transportation and lodging to the logistics of organizing such a pilgrimage both in Somalia and once they reach the holy land of Saudi Arabia. While officials are making a hullabaloo about their initiatives to offer top-notch services,…

This month of Ramadan also marks the period of Umrah, the "little pilgrimage" to Mecca. He was interrupted last year at the same time due to the health crisis. For this recovery, Saudi Arabia has taken drastic restrictive measures. Among other things, the obligation to be vaccinated. In Dakar, pilgrims and tour operators organize.…