Pope Leo XIV gets into Christmas spirit with prayer for peace at Spanish Steps on Catholic Feast of the Immaculate Conception Day

rome — Pope Leo

Leo welcomed thousands of well-wishers who braved the cold to watch the American pope on his inaugural trip to the statue. They were treated to a tour of Rome’s historic centre, which is prepared for the start of the holiday shopping season.

The Pope received a special honor from the shopkeepers’ association on Via Condotti, the elegant shopping street that extends from the Spanish Steps and includes brands such as Bulgari, Hermès and Prada.

Leo, dressed in his formal red gown, offered a large bouquet of white roses and then a short prayer at the foot of the statue. He recalled the millions of people who came to Rome this year on a Holy Year pilgrimage that brought them to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

He said: “After the sacred doors, let other doors open now to homes and oases of peace where dignity can flourish again, where non-violence can be taught, and the art of reconciliation can be learned.”

Leo will preside over his first Christmas as pope this year, and he has already introduced a new order. Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, which has been moved earlier and earlier in recent years to accommodate older popes, is scheduled to begin this year at the usual 10pm start time.

Leo will get just a few hours of sleep before celebrating Christmas Mass in St Peter’s Basilica the next morning, followed by his return to the Loggia – where he made his first appearance as pope on May 8 – to deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) speech.

He will lead the evening prayer known as Vespers on New Year’s Eve and then a Mass and blessing on New Year’s Day on January 1.

The Christmas season ends with the Epiphany Mass on January 6, which also marks the official closing of the Holy Year 2025 and the closing of the Holy Door of the Church.

Holy years, also known as jubilees, are usually held every 25 years, but Leo has already announced the following year, which will be celebrated in a non-year – 2033 – to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

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