Francis' meeting with migrants took place on Tuesday afternoon. Pope listened to the stories of Senegalese Ibrahim Lo and Gambian Ebrim Kuyateh.
Both migrants came to Europe, following the so-called Libyan route. They are also the authors of books in which they describe their journey to the Old Continent. The newcomers were accompanied by representatives of the non-governmental organization Mediterranea Saving Humans. Its members help migrants traveling to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
Vatican. Pope Francis interrupted his vacation
The Pope interrupted his summer vacation to meet with his guests. Francis was reportedly very curious about their stories.
– He thanked them all for what they do and what they live for. He encouraged them to go forward – Fr. Mattia Ferrari reported the conversation. The priest emphasized that “in love, in the brotherhood that we experience with the poor, with migrants, we actually experience salvation.”
During the audience, one of the guests was also Mbengue Nyimbilo Crepin. The Cameroonian met with the head of the Catholic Church in November 2023. It was then that the world learned of the death of his wife and daughter. Both died of thirst while trying to get to the Old Continent.
Vatican. Pope on vacation
Time for rest has long been included in the papal calendar. However, Francis is the first pope to break with a certain kind of tradition. His predecessors – both Pope John Paul II What Benedict XVI – They spent their holidays at the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo (currently serving as a museum).
Francis on the other hand goes to rest at the House of St. Martha, where he lives on a daily basis. The first general audience after the Pope's “vacation” will take place on August 7.
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