Christian News Network reports:
In one of the feasts and celebrations marked on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar leading up to Christmas, Catholics around the world observed the Feast of Immaculate Conception on Thursday, a day in which those who follow the religion commemorate their belief that Mary was conceived without sin.
Jorge Bergoglio, also known as Pope Francis, made his fourth visit to the “Column of the Immaculate Conception” in the Piazza di Spagna to pay homage to Mary and to pray that she would give protection and blessings.