In modern times, the Rosary has been encouraged by these Popes
Pope Francis and Mary
Pope Francis began his Pontificate at Mary’s feet. His first day as head of the world’s largest church began at the feet of Our Lady. He delayed his first private Mass long enough for him to “visit the icon of the holy mother” at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
In his first homily, March 14, 2013 he said, “…It is my wish for all of us that the Holy Spirit - through the prayer of Our Lady, our Mother - bestow upon us the grace of journeying, building, confessing Jesus Christ crucified.”
"This Prayer Helps to Put Christ at the Center"
VATICAN CITY, MAY 13, 2008 ( Zenit.org ).- Here is a Vatican translation of Benedict XVI's May 3 address at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he prayed the Rosary with the faithful.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II, issued the Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, (The Rosary of the Virgin Mary). In this letter he suggested five new
Mysteries of Light
to be added to the Rosary. He called Rosary prayer contemplating the face of Christ with Mary at our side.
In 1974, Pope Paul VI issued an apostolic exhortation entitled, Marialis Cultus (The Cult of Mary) regarding Marian devotion. In this he referred to the Rosary as a “compendium of the Gospel.” He called the Rosary a gospel prayer which helps the individual to meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary and a pious practice that leads the individual to the liturgical prayer of the Church. ( www.MaryPage.org )
For further information see " The Popes and The Rosary "