On February 15, Pope Leo XIV will resume one of the most eagerly awaited traditions by the faithful of Rome: visits to local parishes.
The first destination will be Ostia, the ancient port of Rome. During his time there, he will visit Santa Maria Regina Pacis, a church that last received a pontiff 11 years ago.
On that occasion, the pope was Francis, who made a change to the program and added a stop at an amusement park. There he visited a group of carnival workers who were accompanied by this nun, Sister Geneviève.
“She’s expecting a baby.”
“When is the baby due?”
“In July.”
Parish visits have traditionally given rise to some of the most heartwarming moments.
“Come, come, come.”
“I can't do it.”
“Come to me, Emanuele. Come and tell me in my ear. Tell me in my ear.”
This child could not hold back his tears as he asked the Pope whether his father, an atheist, was in Heaven.
It is encounters like this that best show the pontiff’s human side, his closeness to the people. They are less formal and more family-like meetings. Visits that allow popes to return to their beginnings, when they were parish priests or pastors of small communities.
JRB
Trans. CRT
