Reduction in restrictions allows to relive scenes of affection between the Pope and the pilgrims

Since the general audiences with pilgrims were resumed, the Pope is spending a lot of time listening to the people. 

This employee of the Italian airline “Alitalia” came to the Vatican to deliver this painting where there is a written date: May 5, 1947.

TIZIANA BORGATTA
Alitalia worker
“On May 5, 1947, the first flight took off after World War II, from Turin to Catania. And in this year 2021 we hope that our company can recover. I came for that ”.

There were also newly married couples. They are the first that Francisco blesses in the audience for months.

– “We wanted the Pope …”
– “… to bless our marriage.”
– “We got married on May 8.”
-“Congratulations”.
-“Thanks”.

The emotion is strong when you can unexpectedly shake the Pope’s hand. This is what happened to Pamela, who has worked in Rome during the pandemic, and before returning to her country she wanted to say goodbye to the Pope. 

PAMELA YOUNG
“It was really a super nice experience and she shook my hand and it was too beautiful and emotional”.

Others like Stefania were less lucky. She could not greet the Pope although she left satisfied by the message of hope she heard.

STEFANIA
“It was wonderful. I don’t know if you heard him, but he spoke of prayer, something that interested me personally because I need to receive a little encouragement ”.

Stefania is part of the mission families of the Neocatechumenal Way and that is why she left Italy to go live in England. There she began her life from scratch with her husband and 7 children.

Justin McLellan / Javier Romero