“Holy Father!”
“Are you still alive?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“It's good to see you. Are you still in a good mood?”
“Yes, thanks to God.”
This how the pope's meeting with the Argentinian bishops began. It was a session filled with affectionate words and gestures of affection. It is the first of three meetings that will be held in May. The other two groups will meet with Pope Francis on May 10 and 16.
It is part of their ad limina visit. This is when all the bishops of a country come to Rome to meet with the dicasteries and the pope. The last visit of the Argentinian bishops was in 2009. During the meeting, Pope Francis told them about his concern over the growing social tension in his country. He also expressed his desire to visit his native Argentina. However, the pope's schedule does not allow it for the moment.
Throughout these days, the bishops are holding meetings with various dicasteries of the Vatican. They have already visited the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
