December found Pope Leo in the middle of his Apostolic journey on the way to Lebanon. He spent the first two days of the month there with a packed schedule of events.
From the start, the Pope never failed to remind the political leaders in both Turkey and Lebanon of their ultimate goal — peace.
POPE LEO XIV
Yet you, who have important institutional tasks within this nation, are destined for a special beatitude if you can say that you have put the goal of peace above all else.
One of the most powerful moments of the entire trip was the Pope's visit to the site of the Beirut Port explosion, where he met with, prayed with, and consoled the families of the victims.
Pope Leo also continued the tradition of holding a press conference aboard the papal plane on the return flight home. There he revealed the potential destination of his next journey.
POPE LEO XIV
As far as trips go, nothing is ever certain. I hope to make a trip to Africa; that would possibly be the next journey. To confirm: Africa. Africa. Personally, I hope to go to Algeria to visit the places connected to the life of Saint Augustine, but also to continue the conversation of dialogue, of building bridges between the Christian world and the Muslim world, so to speak.
A few days after returning home, the Pope honored a classic Roman traditions: on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, he visited the statue of Our Lady in Piazza Spagna to pay tribute and to offer flowers.
The Pope placed a floral bouquet at the foot of the column where the statue of Mary stands.
But it wasn't long until Mary was back in the spotlight. On December 12, the Pope celebrated a Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.
POPE LEO XIV
Throughout her existence, Mary brings that joy wherever human happiness falls short, wherever the wine has run out. That is what happens in Guadalupe. At Tepeyac, she awakens in the people of the Americas the joy of knowing they are loved by God.
The last major gathering of the Jubilee Year took place on December 14: the Jubilee of Prisoners. Participants included inmates, police officers, and prison staff.
Finally, the Vatican unveiled this year's Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, at the same time lighting its 82ft Christmas tree. The unveiling was followed by caroling and celebration.
CAM
