Superstitious Paganism Masquerading as Marian Devotion
The VaticanNews portal (December 3, 2025) reports that antipope Leo XIV will participate in the annual “homage” to a statue of the Virgin Mary near Rome’s Spanish Steps on December 8, continuing the modernist tradition begun by previous antipopes. The event involves floral offerings by fire brigades, musical performances, and ecumenical participation including the Sovereign Order of Malta. The portal emphasizes this as continuation of “tradition and devotion,” particularly noting last year’s “entrustment” of the Jubilee to Mary by antipope Francis.









