On December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis prayed at the Marian Column next to Rome’s Spanish Square. The common prayer this year was an impressive demonstration of faith. In 2020 and 2021, the Pope prayed alone at the column, isolated by COVID-19 and the restrictions and security regulations enforced at the time. Finally, after two years, the faithful were allowed to join him to commemorate one of the most important feast days of the year. As the pontiff’s prayer recalled the suffering of the Ukrainian people, he broke down in tears.