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December 15, 2021

New tower inaugurated at Barcelona basilica

A general view shows a luminous star lit on a newly completed tower of the Basilica of the Holy Family.

VATICAN CITY -- The newly completed Tower of the Virgin Mary at Barcelona’s Basilica of the Holy Family stands as a beacon of hope for those who suffer in the world today, Pope Francis said.

Published in International
December 8, 2021

In early morning darkness, Pope Francis pays tribute to Immaculate Conception

A firefighter places a wreath on a tall Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, 2021, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis prayed at the statue before daybreak, continuing the papal tradition of visiting the Spanish Steps on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

ROME -- An hour before sunrise, Pope Francis set a basket of white roses at the base of a statue of the Immaculate Conception in the center of Rome, praying Mary would help all who suffer.

Published in Faith
December 8, 2020

Say 'no' to sin, 'yes' to grace, Pope Francis says on Immaculate Conception feast

Pope Francis prays at the base of a tall Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, 2002, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The pope prayed at the statue shortly before the Rome firefighters' traditional early morning event in honor of the Immaculate Conception.

VATICAN CITY - Mary's Immaculate Conception offers a glimpse to the promised life for all Christians who open their hearts to God and his grace, Pope Francis said.

Published in Faith
December 9, 2019

Immaculate Conception is feast of hope, Pope Francis says

A firefighter places a wreath on a Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, 2019, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

VATICAN CITY -- Mary, conceived without sin, is a "masterpiece" who reflects "the beauty of God who is all love, grace and self-giving," Pope Francis said on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Published in Reflections
April 1, 2019

Canadian nun, sexologist: Catholics must increase their sexual maturity

Canadian Immaculate Conception Sister Marie-Paul Ross, pictured in this undated photo, has a Ph.D. in clinical sexology. Sister Ross said sexual immaturity and deviance are part of the sex abuse crisis the church faces.

QUEBEC CITY - A Canadian nun with a Ph.D. in clinical sexology said the sex abuse crisis in the church does not mean "the end of faith" but rather "the end of a lack of formation and the end of deviance," and a call to return to Jesus' message of love.

Published in Canada
December 10, 2018

On the Feast of Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis asks Mary's care of refugees

A firefighter places a wreath on a tall statue of Mary overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Rome's firefighters have observed the tradition every year since 1857.
ROME – In the heart of Rome, near streets of fancy shops already blinged out for Christmas shopping, Pope Francis prayed for Romans struggling to survive and for families in the city and around the world who face the same lack of welcome that Mary and Joseph experienced.
Published in Faith
December 8, 2015

Pope venerates statue of the Immaculate Conception in Rome square

Piazza di Spagna

VATICAN CITY - Concluding the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the opening of the Holy Door, Pope Francis prayed that through Mary, Christians may recognize the victory of divine mercy over sin.

Published in Vatican
December 8, 2015

Homily for Inauguration of the Jubilee

Pope Francis raises the Book of the Gospels as he celebrates the opening Mass of the Holy Year of Mercy in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 8.

On Tuesday, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis solemnly inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“This Extraordinary Holy Year is itself a gift of grace,” the Pope said in his homily  To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them.”

The full text of Pope Francis’ prepared homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Inauguration of the Jubilee of Mercy can be found below:

Published in Reflections
December 8, 2014

Spend time in silence and service before Christmas, pope suggests

A firefighter places a wreath at the foot of a tall statue of Mary overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Rome's firefighters have observed the tradition every year since 1857.

ROME - In the heart of Rome's high-end shopping district, sparkling with Christmas lights and shiny baubles in the windows of famous designers, Pope Francis prayed that people would spend time in silence and in service as they prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth.

Published in International