It's traditional for the Pope to pray the Angelus with the faithful every Sunday in St. Peter's Square. But the last Sunday of Advent is special.
Children come with figures representing the Baby Jesus - the same ones they will place in their nativity scenes on Christmas morning.
LEO XIV
Dear friends, you have come with your families and catechists for the blessing of the images of the Baby Jesus, which you will place in the nativity scenes in your homes, schools and oratories. I thank the Centre of Roman Oratories for organising this event and I wholeheartedly bless all the images of the Child Jesus.
Pope St. Paul VI started the tradition in 1969. Pope Leo clearly enjoyed continuing it. Speaking directly to the children, he asked them to pray for him and with him.
LEO XIV
Dear children, before the crib, pray to Jesus for the Pope's intentions as well. In particular, let us pray together that all the world's children may live in peace. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Pope Leo concluded by reflecting on the deeper meaning of Christmas, recalling its origin and reminding us never to forget the importance of the event we are about to celebrate.
