Pope Leo XIV gets into Christmas spirit with prayer for peace at Spanish Steps

Pope Leo XIV marked the beginning of the Christmas season with a traditional papal visit to the statue of the Madonna near Rome’s Spanish Steps on December 8, joining thousands of Romans who gathered to see the American pontiff in his first celebration of this feast day since his election.

The crowd, undeterred by cold temperatures, was rewarded with a procession as the Pope traveled through Rome’s historic center by popemobile. The city’s streets, already adorned with seasonal decorations, provided a festive backdrop for the papal visit that has become a cherished tradition in the Italian capital.

In a special gesture, the association of shop owners from Via Condotti, Rome’s luxury shopping street that extends from the Spanish Steps and houses prestigious brands including Bulgari, Hermes, and Prada, presented the Pope with an honorary recognition during his visit.

Dressed in his formal red mozzetta cape, Pope Leo placed a bouquet of white roses at the foot of the statue before offering prayers. During his brief address, he reflected on the significance of the ongoing Holy Year, which has drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome.

“After the Holy Doors, may other doors now open to homes and oases of peace where dignity can flourish once more, where nonviolence can be taught, and the art of reconciliation can be learned,” the Pope said, connecting the religious observance with broader aspirations for peace.

This Christmas season will mark several firsts for Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May. He has already introduced one notable change to Vatican tradition by returning the Christmas Eve Mass to its traditional 10 p.m. start time. In previous years, the celebration had been moved earlier to accommodate older pontiffs.

The decision signals the new Pope’s stamina, as he will face a demanding schedule – celebrating the late evening Mass on December 24, followed by Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica the next morning. He will then deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) speech from the same loggia where he first appeared as Pope following his election.

The papal Christmas calendar continues with evening prayers on New Year’s Eve, followed by a Mass and blessing on January 1. The Christmas season officially concludes on January 6 with Epiphany Mass, which this year will have added significance as it also marks the formal closing of the 2025 Holy Year with the ceremonial sealing of the Holy Door to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Holy Years, also known as Jubilees, typically occur every 25 years in Catholic tradition, serving as periods of special pilgrimage and spiritual renewal. However, Pope Leo has already announced an exceptional upcoming Jubilee in 2033, deviating from the regular schedule to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

This Christmas season takes place against the backdrop of a particularly significant Holy Year, which has brought increased tourism and pilgrimages to Rome. The Vatican has coordinated with local authorities to manage the influx of visitors, with the city’s historic center seeing heightened security measures and accommodation arrangements for the expanded crowds.

For Romans and tourists alike, the Pope’s appearance at the Spanish Steps not only continues a beloved tradition but also signals the official beginning of the Christmas season in a city where religious observance and cultural celebration have been intertwined for centuries.

The Associated Press religion coverage that includes this report receives support through a collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., though the AP maintains sole responsibility for the content.