Pope Leo XIV has embraced a Roman tradition by praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps on the December 8 feast day that kicks off the Christmas season.

Leo greeted thousands of well-wishers who braved the cold to watch the American pope on his inaugural outing to the statue. They were treated to a popemobile romp through Rome’s historic centre, which has been decked out for the start of the holiday shopping season.

The pope got a special honour from the association of shop owners of the Via Condotti, the chic shopping street that extends from the Spanish Steps and features such brands as Bulgari, Hermes and Prada.

Wearing his formal red mozzetta, or cape, Leo offered a big bouquet of white roses and then a brief prayer at the foot of the statue. He recalled t

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