Pope Francis honors Feast of Immaculate Conception with ancient tradition

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 8: Pope Francis celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with a meaningful and traditional gesture on Friday (Dec. 8). The Pope donated three Golden Roses to the revered Roman icon of “Maria Salus Populi Romani” (Our Lady of Health of the Roman People) located in the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major, according to Vatican. Following this act, he participated in the customary Act of Veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary before the statue of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza Mignanelli, adjacent to Rome’s central Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis is the third Pontiff to carry out this ancient and highly symbolic gesture, with the last being Pope Paul V in 1613. The tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, involves the gift of Golden Roses, symbolizing the papal blessing. After paying homage to “Maria Salus Populi Romani,” Pope Francis proceeded to Piazza di Spagna to perform the traditional Act of Veneration. Placing a wreath of roses at the foot of the 39-foot-high column bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary, he offered a prayer invoking the gift of peace for the world.(Footage by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)