Immaculate Conception: Pope Francis cancels the traditional act of veneration due to the pandemic

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not visit the Spanish Steps in Rome this year for the traditional veneration of Mary on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception due to the pandemic.

Francis, on the other hand, will mark the feast with "an act of private devotion, entrusting the city of Rome, its inhabitants and the many sick people in every part of the world to the Madonna," said the director of the Holy See press office Matteo Bruni.

It will be the first time since 1953 that the Pope has not offered the traditional veneration of the statue of the Immaculate Conception on the feast of 8 December. Bruni said Francesco would not go to the streets to prevent people from gathering and passing on the virus.

The statue of the Immaculate Conception, near the Spanish Steps, sits atop a nearly 40-foot tall column. It was dedicated on December 8, 1857, three years after Pope Pius IX had promulgated a decree defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Since 1953 it has been the custom of popes to venerate the statue for the day of the feast, in honor of the city of Rome. Pope Pius XII was the first to do so, walking nearly two miles on foot from the Vatican.

The firefighters of Rome are usually present at prayers, in honor of their role at the inauguration of the statue in 1857. Also present were the mayor of Rome and other officials.

In past years, Pope Francis left floral wreaths for the Virgin Mary, one of which was placed on the outstretched arm of the statue by firefighters. The pope also offered an original prayer for the feast day.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national holiday in Italy and crowds usually gather in the square to witness the veneration.

As is customary for Marian solemnities, Pope Francis will again lead the Angelus prayer from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square on 8 December.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Vatican's papal Christmas liturgies will take place this year without the presence of the public.