Pope Francis greeted members of the Spanish Civil Guard after his General Audience. The group presented him with a symbol of the military corps.
Above all, it is an honor for us to present on behalf of the entire Civil Guard the tricorn hat, which is our highest standard worldwide and one of the things that best describes us. So it is a privilege to give it to you.
Thank you very much for this visit.
The group was one of the last to greet the Pope before he was moved to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for surgery.
SGT. RAFAEL CHACÓN
Spanish Civil Guard, GRS3, Valencia
He was super nice to us. He was very friendly, very approachable and the truth is that he treated us wonderfully. We would have never guessed that he was going to be taken to the hospital.
They say that meeting the Pope has been an incredible experience.
SGT. JAIME GUERRA MARTÍN
Spanish Civil Guard, GRS2 (Seville)
It has been a unique and incomparable experience. It was very emotional and he dedicated a few words to us.
This unit of the Civil Guard provides protection and security at embassies in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. The priest who accompanied the group said that this meeting has been an inspiration for them to continue their work in the Holy Land.
JUAN ANTONIO RUIZ
Director, Spanish Biblical and Archaeological Institute, Jerusalem
He has encouraged us in the mission in the Holy Land and in working for peace in the Holy Land and in praying for him.
During the meeting, this unit of the Civil Guard asked Pope Francis to record a message for all the members. It was one of the last messages the Pope dedicated before entering the Gemelli Hospital.
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