Pope Francis honored veteran journalists Philip Pullella and Valentina Alazraki, who have been reporting on the Vatican for decades. They received the rank of Knight and Dame of the Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX.
POPE FRANCIS
'With the award given to Valentina and Phil, today I want to pay homage to your entire working community, to tell you that the Pope cares about you, follows you, esteems you and considers you precious.'
VALENTINA ALAZRAKI
“I would like to give thanks and think that this recognition, this award, is also for all of you, my colleagues, because I think that you, Pope Francis, maybe don't know, but there is a lot of material here for causes of beatification. Because being mothers, fathers and journalists, even Vatican correspondents, truly requires many heroic virtues.”
Valentina Alazraki is the dean of the Vatican correspondents and a reporter for Televisa.
Philip Pullella, an Italian-born American, is a journalist for Reuters.
PHILIP PULLELLA
“I see this honor as a tribute to the people who have allowed me to reach this moment in this beautiful room. I would especially like to thank my wife of more than 40 years.”
Pope Francis thanked journalists who cover the Vatican for reporting on reality using different styles and perspectives, and for bringing to light the Church's problems.
POPE FRANCIS
'I also thank you for what you tell us about what goes wrong in the Church, for helping us not to sweep it under the carpet, and for the voice you have given to victims of abuse.'
The Order of Pius IX, also known as the Pian Order, is a papal order of knighthood that recognizes outstanding service for the Church and society.
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