The Paolina Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Roma

In this Chapel, above the altar is kept the Sacred Image of the Madonna most dear to the Romans, the "Salus Populi Romani", or the "Salvation of the Roman People". It is a Byzantine icon, housed in this chapel as early as 1611 expressly at the behest of Paul V and represents Mary carrying the Infant Jesus, who blesses with one hand and holds a book with the other, probably the Gospels. The Mother is depicted in the fulfillment of the same gesture, with her right hand which is not raised, but rejoins the other, in which she holds a rolled parchment, crossing her arms on the Son's small knees. The work is of uncertain date, placed between the 8th and 12th centuries and is considered the main patron saint of Roma