As Pope Francis arrived in Piazza di Spagna in Rome on Friday afternoon, he was greeted by Mayor Virginia Raggi, as well as thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Roman residents.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the pope stood before the column and statue of Mary to recite a special prayer.
POPE FRANCIS
“Grant that through her prayers we ourselves may come to you, cleansed from all sin.”
Continuing, the Holy Father asked Mary to bless Christians with the necessary strength provided by the Gospel to fight off the negative mindsets of today.
In the front row of the crowd were those who have not chosen their illnesses. Pope Francis bestowed his blessing upon them before greeting some of the other attendees while exiting the square on foot.
