Before the sun rose over Rome, Pope Francis visited Rome's Piazza di Spagna to venerate a statue of the Virgin Mary on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The Pope arrived just before 6:15 in the morning to avoid drawing crowds, and greeted officials from the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which is housed in the square.
-'Your Holiness.'
-'I'm sorry about the time.'
-'Well, this is your embassy, too.'
-'What a beautiful day.'
Just as last year, the Vatican had previously announced the Pope's typical afternoon visit to the statue was canceled due to the Covid-19 measures, yet Pope Francis still showed up while the city was asleep to pray before Our Lady in private.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the Pope prayed for the miracle of healing for the many sick; for the healing of those who suffer due to war and the climate crisis, and for the conversion of the hearts of those who build walls to distance themselves from the suffering of others.
He then venerated the statue with a basket of white roses before traveling to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
-'Welcome to the house of Our Lady.'
-'Thank you.'
He presented flowers to the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, patroness of Rome, and prayed before her in silence, before returning to the Vatican.
The Pope has visited the chapel where this icon resides more than any other site in Rome, and often visits her before and after making any significant trips.
JM
