The Holy Father prayed the Regina Caeli after Mass in Turin's St. Charles Square on Sunday. Saying Mary teaches us to recognize the face of God in Jesus’ human face, Pope Benedict asked for her intercession for workers, those in jail and all believers.

To Mary, said the Holy Father before the recitation of the Regina Caeli, "I entrust this city and all who live here."

Speaking the day after Italy celebrated the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, he implored that Mary keep watch over families, the "world of work" and those who have lost their faith and hope. Benedict XVI also asked for her intercession in comforting the sick, those in jail and all who suffer.

"He reflected on the Virgin Mary as "she who more than any other has contemplated God in the human face of Jesus. She saw him just after birth, while wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger; she saw him just after death, when after being taken from the cross, they wrapped him in a cloth and took him to the tomb." The image of her tormented son was imprinted within her; but this image was then transfigured by the light of the Resurrection,” Pope Benedict said. “In this way, the mystery of the face of Christ, mystery of death and glory, was kept in the heart of Mary."

"From her," he taught, "we can always learn to look at Jesus with love and faith, to recognize in that human face the Face of God."

The Holy Father concluded by thanking all who have worked to prepare for his visit and the special exposition of the Shroud, which he personally called for in 2008. He said he hoped that it would bring about a "profound spiritual renewal."