Battle Of Lepanto And The Rosary

On October 7th, 1571, the Holy League which was an alliance of the Papal State, Venice, Spain and Genoa, decisively defeated the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Lepanto at the Gulf of Corinth. John of Austria, the illegitimate son of Emperor Charles V of Spain, commanded the impressive fleet of galleys.

Pope Pius V promoted the Holy League for fear of the aggressive advance of the Turkish army deeper into Europe and their attempt to control the Mediterranean Sea. The Turks had already vanquished the Christian Empire in the east having taken Constantinople in 1453. Western Europe united to halt their advance and their victory at Lepanto was seen as divinely assisted. The victory however was short lived, the Turks soon built up a new fleet and continued to advance towards Europe.

Site of the Battle of Lepanto, Nafpaktus Greece (2005)

It is said that on the day of the battle Pope Pius prayed a rosary early in the morning and in the afternoon interrupted a gathering with cardinals to thank God for the victory of the Holy League, though he had not received news yet of the victory at Lepanto. When the news did reach Europe the Pope instituted the feast of Our Lady of Victory on October 7th after attributing the victory to the praying of the Rosary. Soon the feast was modified to be the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is celebrated throughout the world today.

Tomb of John of Austria, Commander of the Holy League at Lepanto (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)

Battle of Lepanto and the Rosary