On Wednesday, Pope Francis recorded a message for the homeless of the Archdiocese of Sao Paolo, Brazil, to thank them for the gifts he received that morning: a Crucifix and a Rosary made of recycled materials.
The Pontiff received the gifts from the hands of the priest of the city’s Cathedral, Father Luiz Eduardo Baronto, who attended the audience the Pope held at Casa Santa Marta with Cardinal Claudio Hummes.
“The Pope was profoundly moved when we gave him the gifts. He sent them his zucchetto saying that with this gesture it is as if he touched each of the homeless persons,” commented Father Baronto.
The Pontiff also wished to send them a video, so that the homeless, as well as Father Lancelotti, Episcopal Vicar for the pastoral care of the homeless, would see it. Father Baronto made the video with a mobile phone. He was very upset because the video did not record the sound with the Pope’s voice – “a technical problem,” he said.
However, Father Baronto took note of the Holy Father’s words and dubbed the original audio in Spanish on the Web page of the Archdiocese of Sao Paolo, which reads: “Dear Father Julio Lancelotti and other employees that work with homeless people. I want to say to you that I received joyfully the gifts you sent me. Continue loving Jesus and the poor. It is the way of the Gospel. I am sure you will pray for me and it is this prayer that gives me strength. Now I send you my blessing, in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.»
