They weren’t expecting this greeting from the pope during the General Audience, but it will now remain with this group of scouts forever as an unforgettable memory.
POPE FRANCIS
“I greet the AGESCI scouts from Le Marche.”
This group of scouts from the Italian town of Monte San Giusto came to Rome to celebrate their 50-year anniversary.
MATTIA ORSINI
“It was a beautiful experience, a very touching moment. Something that I will never be able to forget.” FLASH “We weren’t expecting the greeting. We were very close to the pope, so we maybe expected a wave from the popemobile. We saw how he was stopping, greeting everyone, taking children into his arms…it was really moving.”
For these kids, their first experience of an audience with the pope was beyond expectations. However, among them, there is a veteran scout who has been attending audiences since the times of Pope Pio XII. Since that time Grazia, has accompanied children and young people up to St. Peter's Square.
GRAZIA CUACUARINI
“I have brought many kids. First I would bring children preparing for first communion. Then I brought the scouts, because I have been with them for 50 years, and also other children from the parish.'
It’s a great feeling. I like to bring kids and young people so that they can experience this because that way they’ll have a memory when they’re older. Although I must say, it is tiring. You have to get up at one in the morning, arrive here, be seated, wait for the pope in the sun… but later it’s rewarding to see the Holy Father greet everyone with a big smile and thank us for coming.”
Despite the effort of the trip, the amazing ending included a wave from the pope, which removed any fatigue the travelers had. So much so that they’re already thinking about returning.
GRAZIA CUACUARINI
“It’s a beautiful experience: Isn’t it, kids?
“Yes.”
“Should we come back?
“Yes.”
The next time they return, at least they already have a good repertoire of songs like these prepared.
