Pope Leo XIV participated last Saturday in the “Family Party” of the Vatican, where he highlighted the importance of the testimony of families in today’s world.
The event took place on the afternoon of September 6 in the Plaza de la Government of the city of the Vatican, a beautiful esplanade with a view to the back of the Basilica of San Pedro.
Receive the main news of ACI Press by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social networks. Subscribe to our free channels today:
Although initially was planned for the month of May, he had to postpone due to the death of Pope Francis.
In a brief improvised speech, collected by Vatican Newsthe Holy Father asked for applause for all families and their children, expressing their joy for being able to meet them in an atmosphere of holiday.
He also invited those present to live “this beautiful moment” with an open heart, to celebrate “the joy of being a family, the joy of being all united, of becoming friends of each other, of celebrating the gifts, especially the gift of life, the gift of the family that the Lord has given us.”
“This testimony of families in our world is so important!” The Holy Father said below.
Finally, he thanked the Vatican employees for their testimony, their presence and “for everything they do, sometimes with great sacrifice, to live together as a family, transmitting this message, thus participating in the spirit that Jesus Christ left us.”
He subsequently prayed a Ave Maria and gave his blessing to those present. The event also had the participation of Sr. Rafaella Petrini, president of the Governor of the state of the city of the Vatican.
There were also the two general secretaries, Mons. Emilio Nappa and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, along with the two Emeritus presidents, Cardinal Fernando Vergéz Alzaga and Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello.
Pope Leo XIV had the opportunity to personally greet all families and share with them close moments. Even the Italian pizzeria or ‘Zi Aniello presented him with a pizza that bore his name.
The day lasted until the night, with an outdoor dinner for the Vatican employees, who could also enjoy various shows.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. It has been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News at the Vatican for two years and is currently a correspondent for Europe based on Spain.