A motorcade involving the Chicago Police Department and Illinois State Police escort the convoy contatining the relics of St. Maria Goretti through downtown Chicago early in the morning of Oct. 12 to St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St. According to Father Carlos Martins, the national coordinator of the tour, St. Maria Goretti is considered a "deputy head of state of the Vatican" and is sent as a special envoy by Pope Francis for the Year of Mercy. This is the first time her remains are traveling to the United States.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World