As every year, Rome prepares for the traditional homage day to the Immaculate Conception in Piazza di Spagna, where thousands of faithful and various organizations gather to pray and offer flowers to the Virgin. On December 8, Pope Leo XIV will attend Piazza Mignanelli at 4:00 p.m. to perform the prayer act at the foot of the column crowned by the Marian statue, a gesture that is part of the city's spiritual identity.
The visit continues the tradition maintained by the pontiffs since the 20th century. Last year, on December 8, 2024, it was Pope Francis who, in the same place, entrusted the imminent Jubilee to the Virgin as a sign of hope in a time marked by conflicts and crises. This year, Leo XIV returns before Mary just weeks after the closure of the Holy Year.
The firefighters will open the homages at dawn
The Vicariate of Rome confirmed that, as is customary, the first to honor the Immaculate will be the Vigili del Fuoco, who since 1857—when they inaugurated the work—climb up to the arm of the statue to deposit a floral crown. The ceremony will take place at 7:00 a.m.
Throughout the day, numerous institutions will join: the parish of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Legio Mariae, the Circolo San Pietro, the Don Gnocchi Foundation, the Unitalsi, as well as various schools and lay and religious associations. At 8:30 a.m., the Vatican Gendarmerie band will perform a Marian hymn.
A Mass will take place at 9:00 a.m. in the church of Trinità dei Monti, presided over by Msgr. Francesco Pesce, the diocesan official for social pastoral care and labor, along with employees from various Roman companies.
Rome's oldest novena
The Conventual Franciscans of the basilica of the Holy Twelve Apostles spiritually animate these days of preparation with what is considered the oldest novena to the Immaculate in the city. From November 29 to December 7, each day includes the recitation of the Rosary and litanies at 5:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 6:30 p.m., introduced by the singing of the Tota Pulchra, composed by the friar Alessandro Borroni.
Celebrations presided over by various cardinals
In the framework of this liturgical preparation, various Eucharistic celebrations are being presided over by cardinals of the Roman Curia. Today, December 3, the Mass at the Holy Twelve Apostles will be celebrated by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, responsible for the institutes of consecrated life.
On Thursday the 4th, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, will preside. On Friday the 5th, it will be the turn of Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of St. Mary Major; on Saturday the 6th, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints; and on Sunday the 7th, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Pope's vicar general for Vatican City.
The solemnity of December 8 will culminate with the Mass presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, emeritus prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
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