(ZENIT News / Rome, 05.04.2024).- At 03:50 pm on Friday, April 5, Pope Francis arrived in a white Fiat Cinquecento at the Sant’Enrico parish, at Viale Ratto delle Sabine No. 7, in the Casal Monastero area. He was welcomed by Monsignor Daniele Salera, Auxiliary Bishop for the North Sector, and the parish priest, Father Massimiliano Memma. The Holy Father met with the priests of the 11th Prefecture, the parish priests of the North Sector of the Diocese of Rome, and the chaplains of the Rebibbia prison — in total 35 priests with whom he conversed for some two hours. He left at 05:45 pm to return to the Vatican.
“It was a very nice meeting,” said Monsignor Salera. “The presence of the chaplains of the Rebibbia prison led the conversation to the topic of the inmates’ conditions of penury. Several times we returned [to the topic] of the extreme poverty and deterioration that is often found among the prisoners; how much, during the period of detention, work and all that can give dignity is useful for an effective recovery. We also touched upon the subject of the presence of women in the formation of priests, and we also talked about mercy. Ample time was given to the Jubilee journey. The Pope asked the parish communities for “courage and creativity” — his own words — to address the Holy Year, and to also use the Jubilee time to propose new ways. The meeting unfolded in an atmosphere of joy and serenity.”
The Pontiff and priests talked in the parish theatre of Sant’Enrico parish, built 25 years ago, also in a neighbourhood of recent construction, as recounted by the parish priest, Father Massimiliano Memma, who has headed the community of some 10,000 faithful for 12 years. “Casal Monastero is a peripheral zone, beyond the Grande Raccordo Anulare [the A90 highway], surrounded by countryside. People live here who take three or four hours on public transport to go to and return from work.” It’s a neighbourhood where social ties are strong and where the parish “is the only center of both religious as well as [social] aggregation,” continued the priest. “Those that live in the community really feel part of something greater; Caritas is here, which works very well; there are many groups of young people and a good presence of scouts.” In regard to the meeting with the Holy Father, Fr Memma said: “It’s always good to feel encouraged. It’s nice to hear a word of hope from your Bishop, it did us good. We know Pope Francis, it’s his style and it’s what we need.”
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