Thousands of people gathered around Rome's Spanish Steps, waiting for Pope Francis to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The celebration is a yearly tradition. The mayor of the City, Ignazio Marino, was the first person to welcome Pope Francis.
In his prayer, the Pope asked Our Lady to teach Christians to be merciful.
POPE FRANCIS
'Teach us to go against the tide and break free. To be humble and to offer ourselves. To listen and be silent, teach us to go beyond ourselves.â?
Once the prayer was said, flowers were placed to honor the statue of Our Lady, which stands tall before the Plazza.
Afterward, for more than 30 minutes the Pope made it a point to greet the sick and also pilgrims who attended the celebration.
He even received a new papal hat. Before he made sure it was just the right size.
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