Pope Francis had an emotional visit with hundreds of Italian firefighters and their families.
He thanked them for their work and he was met with a resounding applause.
POPE FRANCIS
Thank you very much. And sometimes if I could make a wish for you, it'd be: 'Lord, may they have no work; may there be no need to go!'
The popes have often had a close relationship with Italian firefighters, unfortunately, because of the many earthquakes that shake the country. We saw Pope Francis meet with them when he visited L'Aquila in August—the place where nearly 300 people died in 2009 in a terrible earthquake.
Pope Francis also met with victims of the 2016 earthquake in Amatrice. In affected areas, he visited families and prayed in front of the rubble.
The relationship between Italian firefighters and the Pope has also had positive moments. For example, firefighters have a leading role in some celebrations, like the one for the Immaculate Conception on December 8. One firefighter is in charge of putting the crown on the image of the Virgin.
JRB
TR: KG
