Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary later this month, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. What does that mean exactly, and why is this significant? Here's what you need to know: "Consecration" means being set aside for a holy purpose. You may or may not have heard of the concept of consecration before. A person -- or nation -- that is consecrated is set aside for a holy purpose. The word "entrustment" is often used synonymously with the word consecration.