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Pope Leone Honors Immaculate Conception at Spanish Steps, Urges Hope and 'Doors of Peace'

The ceremony became a plea for hope with a call to open 'doors of peace' worldwide.

Overview

  • He rode through Via dei Condotti in an open papal vehicle before the traditional veneration at the Marian column in Piazza Mignanelli.
  • In his prayer he asked that hope flourish for a humanity that is tried and at times crushed, invoking peace and renewed dignity in every corner of the earth.
  • He appealed for the Church to gain fresh insight, nurture dreams and courage, and go out onto the streets to be with the people, especially those who suffer.
  • He greeted and blessed the sick and frail in Piazza di Spagna, including those accompanied by Unitalsi, offering words of comfort.
  • Received by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Rome’s vicar Cardinal Baldo Reina, he then left via Via dei Due Macelli for rest at Castel Gandolfo, with a return to the Vatican scheduled for the following evening as Jubilee-season crowds filled the city.