The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina) is a traditional Catholic prayer honoring the Virgin Mary as the Mother of Mercy and Queen of Heaven. Believed to have originated in the 11th century, it is attributed to Hermann of Reichenau, a German monk and theologian. This prayer holds great significance in Catholic devotion, expressing trust in Mary’s intercession and her compassionate role as an advocate for humanity. Widely used in liturgical and private prayer, it is often recited at the conclusion of the Rosary and during the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly in the evening prayer known as Compline. Its poetic invocation of Mary as a source of comfort and hope for Christians has made it a cornerstone of Marian devotion throughout the centuries.