'I cordially greet the Italian-speaking faithful. In particular the Montalto Uffugo Elementary School, where are they?'
At the end of his General Audience, the Pope took a picture with these children. They're from a school in an Italian town called Montalto Uffugo. Pope Francis invited them to his first General Audience after his summer break.
ANGELO
“We organized the trip, and the Pope welcomed us. It was very exciting to be greeted by the Holy Father. It's not something that happens every day.”
Angelo explained that each of the kids wrote an essay, which they then sent to the Pope. They were surprised when they received an answer and an invitation to meet the Pope at the Vatican. Francesca, Angelo's daughter, shares her experience.
FRANCESCA
“It was exciting and very beautiful. It's not something that happens every day. It was really exciting.”
The school teachers organized the trip to Rome for the children and their families, who were very happy to be invited. And despite their young age, they are conscious of the significance of their encounter with Pope Francis.
GABRIELE
“It was super exciting because the Pope was greeting people, shaking their hands. At one point, he approached us and took some nice pictures with us. I was very excited. I'd never experienced anything like it. It was beautiful.”
When classes resume, these children will be known as the lucky group that received the Pope's invitation and traveled to Rome to meet him.
CBM
TR: CT
