Pope Leo XIV will join the faithful on December 8 to honour the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, continuing the long-standing papal tradition of visiting the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary near the Spanish Steps.
Every year, civic and religious groups gather at Piazza Mignanelli to offer prayers and flowers to Our Lady. The practice, upheld by previous popes including Benedict XVI, St. John Paul II, and Francis, reflects deep devotion to Mary and marks one of Rome’s most cherished annual traditions.
According to a statement from the Vicariate of Rome, the day will begin at 7 a.m. with the fire brigade placing their floral wreath on the statue’s arm. Throughout the morning, various Catholic and civic organisations—including the Sovereign Order of Malta, Unitalsi, the Legio Mariae, and local schools—will pay tribute to Mary through prayers, hymns, and community acts of devotion. At 8:30 a.m., the Vatican Gendarmerie band will perform a hymn to the Madonna.
Mass will follow at 9 a.m. at the Church of Trinità dei Monti, presided over by Monsignor Francesco Pesce and attended by workers from several Roman companies.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to arrive at 4 p.m., where he will be welcomed by Cardinal Baldo Reina and Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri. The Pope will pause in prayer at the base of the 12-metre column and lay a wreath of flowers at the statue of Our Lady, echoing the gesture carried out last year by Pope Francis during preparations for the Jubilee Year.
Throughout the day, the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles—home to the oldest Immaculate Conception novena in Rome—will continue its traditional programme led by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. The novena runs from November 29 to December 7 and includes daily Rosary, Marian litanies, and evening Masses presided over by different Cardinals.
The celebration marks a moment of unity and gratitude for Catholics worldwide as the Church nears the conclusion of the Holy Year, with Pope Leo XIV once again placing the devotion to Mary at the heart of Rome’s spiritual life.
Credit: Vatican News
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