When I saw this news story while having breakfast yesterday, feast of the Immaculata, I posted a quick summary on Facebook and Twitter but did not post on Joan’s Rome. By now you already know about Pope Francis’ trip to Pza. di Spagna, but here is what I wrote yesterday morning, along with a Vatican media photo:

Wearing a mask and holding an umbrella under a pouring rain, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to Pza. di Spagna early this morning to pay homage to the statue of Immaculate Mary on this feast day, December 8, of the Immaculate Conception. With his love for Mary, this has always been one of his favorite Marian celebrations, The Holy Father was surrounded by some of Rome’s fireman as tradition on this day holds that one of Rome’s finest poses a floral wreath in the arms of the statue of Mary atop an…