The Virgin Mary Named World’s ‘Most Powerful Woman’ By ‘National Geographic’

She is the most famous mother of all-time. And now National Geographic has named Jesus’ mother, Mary, as the “most powerful woman in the world.”

While many Christians are getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, National Geographic is celebrating his famous mother with a cover-story and article exploring Marian devotion all over the world. The article explores how Mary, who barely speaks in the New Testament, has continued to be venerated and lauded throughout mankind. Additionally, their Explorer series will air an episode, “The Cult of Mary” this Sunday.

How Mary Became the Most Powerful Woman in the World: https://t.co/1TCrDLbVA5 #NatGeoExplorer

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— National Geographic TV (@NatGeoTV) December 8, 2015

The National Geographic article takes an in-depth look at the reported visions of the Virgin Mary all over the globe, from hockey dads in Boston to poor shepherds in Bosnia and Herzegovina to three young girls in Rwanda. For many, Mary is seen as a calming presence, the embodiment of motherhood, and the patron saint of all humanity.

Even thousands of years after her life, Mary has the ability to inspire passion and devotion, even on Twitter.

.@NatGeo says Virgin Mary is most powerful woman in the world, decides to put her on their cover. Neat! https://t.co/b7IHKfEuS9 via @k_yoder

— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) December 11, 2015

Can we just take a moment that National Geographic named Mary the most powerful woman in the world‼️‼️‼️ #ButItsTrue pic.twitter.com/pbwc4gry3a

— Cassie (@comcatholicgrl) December 1, 2015

Looks like Angela Merkel, recently named TIME’s “Person of the Year,” has some stiff competition.