Pope Francis in Rome: Hope and Peace despite protests!

Pope Francis in Rome: Hope and Peace despite protests!

A turbulent Sunday in Rome: When Pope Francis arrived in front of the iconic statue of Mary on the Spanish stairs, there was an exciting incident. Activists who protest against bullfighting had drawn attention to the brutal practices of the bull fights with their posters. A Spanish woman even jumped over the barrier to attack one of the vehicles in the papal convoy. But the security system around the Pope turned out to be effective, because the police were immediately on hand and quickly acted to prevent possible escalation. The attackers-two Germans and one English woman next to the Spaniard-were then arrested and brought to the interrogation, while their posters were confiscated, as OE24

Despite the turmoil, the Pope held his traditional worship and prayed for peace in front of the statue. In his message, he recalled that Rome is preparing for a new holy year that will be under the motto of hope in 2025. "This anniversary is a message of hope for humanity who struggles with crises and wars," said Francis, while encouraging people to look at both their outer and internal construction sites. The pope emphasized that the real change takes place in personal relationships and in the heart, so Vatican News .

On the same day, numerous believers flocked to the statue of Mary despite the cold weather to express their worship for the high festival of the Immaculate Conception. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and other prominent personalities also had a flower greeting. The old tradition that Pope Pius XII. was launched and was again very well received this year. After the prayer, the Pope also visited the new "Museo del Corso" to admire the work of the Jewish painter Marc Chagall, "white crucifixion". This act was once again the connection between Christian and Jewish faith and revealed the deep pain and suffering of the persecuted.