After his visit to the Campidoglio, Benedict XVI went to the meet with Oblate Sisters of Saint Francesca Romana.  The Pope’s visit to the convent coincided with the saint’s feast day.  He prayed before the remains of Saint Francesca Romana, who he called “the most Roman of saints.” 

He addressed the nuns during his visit and praised their spiritual role in the life of Roman society. 

BENEDICT XVI
Your community, together with all the other communities of contemplative life, is called to be a sort of “spiritual lung” of society, so alongside the fast pace and the activism of a city, it won’t lack the spiritual breathing, the reference to God and his design for salvation.  

The Pope also said that Rome needed men and women like Saint Francesca who were willing to serve God and be generous and charitable.  He called it part of the gift of maternity, following the example set by the Virgin Mary.   
Almost every Pope since 1694 has visited the monastery.  Benedict XVI’s visit comes 25 years after John Paul II’s. 
DDS