Pope steps into Christmas with prayer for peace at Spanish Steps

Leo will be presiding over his first Christmas as pope this year (AP/Andrew Medichini)

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.