Pope Francis Honors Our Lady by Placing 3 Historic Golden Roses at an Ancient Icon of Mary as a Prayer for Peace

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis visited the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major to honor Mary via the ancient Roman icon of 'Maria Salus Populi Romani', as a prayer for peace.
Pope Francis marked the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December, by donating three historic Golden Roses to the ancient Roman icon of 'Maria Salus Populi Romani' (Our Lady of Health of the Roman People) in the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The Pope placed three Golden Roses at the feet of the Protectress of the Roman People, the most honored Marian icon in Rome; which legend says was created by the evangelist Saint Luke.
He is the third Pope to make this ancient and highly symbolic gesture. The last Pope to do so was Pope Paul V in 1613.
The tradition of this gift, symbolizing the papal blessing, dates back to the Middle Ages. The gesture is an expression of Pope Francis' profound bond with the Mother of God.
Source: Vatican News