Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Rome
Pope Francis will visit Rome's Spanish Steps during national public holiday on 8 December.
On the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday 8 December, Pope Francis will pay homage to the Virgin Mary by making a pilgrimage to Piazza Mignanelli near the Spanish Steps at 16.00. In an annual tradition dating back to 1958, after kneeling in prayer the pope leaves a floral wreath which firemen then place on the statue of the Madonna in the square, in a ceremony usually attended by Rome's mayor.
As well as being a Catholic holy day it is a national Italian holiday, meaning all public offices will be closed. However most shops remain open as the day is generally viewed as the official start of the Christmas shopping season.
The pope’s visit to the historic centre will result in a number of street closures and bus detours in the area around the Spanish Steps throughout the day.
The pope’s visit to the historic centre will result in a number of street closures and bus detours in the area around the Spanish Steps throughout the day.
Photo Il Messaggero
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