Traditionally, the Third Sunday of Advent, known as “Bambinelli Sunday,” is a day when Italian children gather with their families in St. Peter’s Square in Rome and bring the Baby Jesus figure from their family crèche to be blessed by the Pope. This tradition was begun by Pope John Paul II and continues today with Pope Leo. We invite you to bring the Baby Jesus from your family’s crèche for a special blessing.

The blessing will take place the weekend of December 12–13, 2026.