Catholics in Rome will once again gather for one of the city’s most cherished Marian traditions on December 8, as Pope Leo XIV prepares to offer prayers and flowers at the statue of the Immaculate Conception near the Spanish Steps.
This annual act of devotion—beloved by Romans for generations—brings together civic leaders, religious communities, workers, and pilgrims. According to Vatican News, the day-long observance expresses a living bond between “tradition and devotion” as the faithful honor Our Lady under the title of her Immaculate Conception.
For Pope Leo, the visit marks a continuation of the practice upheld by earlier popes, including Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. Vatican News notes that Pope Francis carried out the homage last year, entrusting to Mary the Jubilee as “a message of hope for humanity tried by crises and wars.”
This year, Pope Leo will make his visit just weeks before the close of the Holy Year. According to the Vicariate of Rome, the Pope will arrive at Piazza Mignanelli at 4 p.m., where he will be welcomed by Cardinal Baldo Reina and Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri. He will pause in prayer before the 12-meter column crowned by the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, leaving a wreath of flowers in her honor.
The day begins much earlier, however, with Rome’s fire brigade continuing its symbolic role in the tradition. Vatican News reports that “the first to leave flowers… will be the fire brigade, who, at 7 a.m., will climb to the top to place their wreath of flowers on the Virgin’s arm.” Throughout the morning, civic associations, religious orders, and local institutions will offer hymns, prayers, and acts of homage.
At 9 a.m., workers from various Roman companies will gather at the church of Trinità dei Monti for Mass, celebrated by Monsignor Francesco Pesce, diocesan representative for social and labor pastoral care.
The celebration also extends beyond the piazza. The Conventual Franciscans at the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles are once again hosting what Vatican News identifies as “the oldest novena to the Immaculate Conception in Rome.” From November 29 through December 7, the faithful pray the Rosary each evening, sing ancient litanies, and participate in Mass introduced by the hymn “Tota Pulchra,” composed by Conventual Franciscan Alessandro Borroni. Each night’s liturgy is presided over by a different cardinal.
As the universal Church prepares for the solemnity celebrating Mary’s immaculate and grace-filled beginning, the people of Rome will stand alongside their shepherd. With Pope Leo’s presence at the foot of Our Lady’s statue, the tradition continues—quiet, prayerful, and full of affection for the Mother of God.
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