On the afternoon of May 3, Francis went to the ancient Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem to meet with 100 priests who do pastoral work in 38 parishes in the center of Rome. The Holy Father arrived precisely at 16.00 On the way, the Pope was greeted by a small group of believers who had been waiting for him since 15.00
Silvija Krivteža – Vatican
These types of meetings are usually held behind closed doors. Those present were greeted Santa Maria ai Monti parish priest Francesco Pesce, coordinator of pastoral work. Among the topics discussed were work with families and young people, preparation for next year’s Jubilee, reception of pilgrims and others.
Baldassare Reina, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rome, called the meeting “very cordial”. He emphasized that the Holy Father willingly shared his experience and gave priests useful advice on improving the pastoral situation. All the participants of the meeting expressed their satisfaction and joy for the visit of Francis, in which he affirmed his fatherly love for his priests.
The meeting lasted about two hours. After Bishop Rein’s congratulatory address and the reading of a psalm, Pope Francis answered twenty questions.
Friday’s meeting was the last in a series of pastoral visits that Pope Francis has been making to the Diocese of Rome since April this year. The purpose of these meetings is to show solidarity and respect for priests, free exchange of opinions and conversation about current pastoral issues.
