"ROME -- Pope Leo XIV got into the Christmas spirit Monday by taking part in a very Roman papal tradition: praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps on the Dec. 8 feast day that kicks off the Christmas season. Leo greeted thousands of well-wishers who braved the cold to watch the American pope on his inaugural outing to the statue."
"Wearing his formal red mozzetta, or cape, Leo offered a big bouquet of white roses and then a brief prayer at the foot of the statue. He recalled the millions of people who have come to Rome this year on a Holy Year pilgrimage that brought them to the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. Leo will be presiding over his first Christmas as pope this year, and already has introduced one novelty."
Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace at a Madonna statue next to the Spanish Steps on Dec. 8, the feast that begins the Christmas season. He rode the popemobile through Rome's historic center, greeting thousands who braved the cold to see his inaugural outing to the statue. The association of Via Condotti shop owners honored him as the shopping street was decorated for the holidays. Wearing a red mozzetta, he placed white roses and offered a brief prayer. He recalled Holy Year pilgrims and prayed that new doors might open to homes and oases of peace. He will celebrate his first Christmas as pope, restoring the Dec. 24 Mass to its usual 10 p.m. start and then celebrating Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica followed by the Urbi et Orbi address.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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