The image of the Immaculate Conception located in Piazza España in Rome is cast in bronze and was inaugurated on December 8, 1857.
Vatican City (08/12/2021 12:15 PM, Gaudium Press) On Tuesday morning, December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Holy Father followed a 60-year Papal tradition: visiting the Statue of Our Lady, located in Piazza di Spagna in Rome.
For the second year in a row, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Francis’ prayer took place almost privately, only with a few people attending. Arriving at the Piazza, shortly before 6:15, the Pontiff greeted the Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, María del Carmen de la Peña Corcuera.
Prayer for the miracle of healing
Immediately after, the Pope placed a basket of white roses at the base of the column where the image of the Immaculate Conception is placed. He then prayed in silence for a few minutes.
According to the Vatican press office, Francis “”to protect the Romans, the city in which they live, and the sick who need Her maternal protection everywhere in the world.”
Visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The Holy Father then went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he prayed before the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, the patroness of Rome. The Pontiff was welcomed at “the house of the Mother” by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, archpriest of the Marian Basilica.
At 7 a.m., a team from the Italian fire department performed the traditional act of veneration to the Immaculate Conception, placing a wreath on one of the arms of the Marian image located in Piazza di Spagna at about 22 m (ca. 72 ft) high. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
