Pope pays homage to Mary at statue of Immaculate Conception

Vatican News

On Sunday afternoon of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where he prayed before the icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani (Protector of the Roman People). The Pope traditionally prays before the icon before and after his apostolic journeys to offer prayers and thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother.

Pope Francis praying before the Salus Populi Romani icon at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Act of veneration

After the tribute to “Maria Salus Populi Romani”, Pope Francis went to Rome’s Piazza di Spagna to perform the traditional act of veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of the nearby statue of the Immaculate Conception. The Vicar of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, was just named cardinal during yesterday’s consistory, and the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, welcomed the Pope upon his arrival.

The pope then offered a large bouquet of white roses carried at the base of the 39-foot-tall column bearing the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Visit the nearby Piazza di Spagna and the statue dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

Prayer to the Holy Mother

After hymns and a litany to the Blessed Mother, the Pope read a prayer in which he expressed “our love and gratitude” symbolized by the flowers offered, as well as prayers and tears, “especially from the little ones and the poor. ” He then recalled the preparations for the 2025 Jubilee which will begin in the coming weeks, acknowledging the challenges posed by the construction work and preparing the city for pilgrims, but also calling them a sign that “Rome is alive” and open to renewal and hospitality.

Renew the soul

The Pope recalled that the true Jubilee will involve focusing on the “interior”, the “construction sites of the soul” which invite us to look inside ourselves, our hearts, our families and our relationships, to be renewed by preparing “the way for the Lord who is coming.” The grace of the Holy Year is about spiritual rebirth, forgiveness and social liberation, something we must be careful not to let happen. lose in all the preparations and activities that will take place, he added.

Thank you, Holy Mother

In conclusion, the Pope expressed his gratitude to Our Lady and the hope she gives us in Jesus, a hope which will be remembered and celebrated throughout the Jubilee.