(ZENIT News / Rome, 31.07.2024).- On July 31, the Ostia Lido Amusement Park in Rome received a very special visitor – Pope Francis. On his arrival in the Park, located one hour from Rome, the Holy Father was received warmly with a small and slim poster, which said: “Ostia’s Luna Park Embraces You.” The objective of the visit was to give support and express gratitude to the merry-go-round operators and circus people, who have faced difficult times since the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his visit, Pope Francis stressed the importance of the work of circus artists, thanking them for “making people smile” in times of war, crises and social ills. This wasn’t the first time that the Pope showed his support to this community; he had a similar meeting with them in 2015.
The main reason for the visit was the blessings of a stature of the “Madonna Protettrice dello Specttacolo Viaggiante e del Circo” [Our Lady Protectress of Traveling Entertainment and the Circus]. On his arrival, Pope Francis paused before the image of the Virgin, located in a column inside the Park, and made the sign of the cross, in an act of devotion shared with those present.
Under a 35-degree blazing sun, the Pope arrived around 3:05 pm in a Fiat 500 L, and was welcomed effusively by Sister Geneviève Jeanningros who, together with her colleague Anna Amelia, has spent 56 years living in a caravan between merry-go-round operators, carrying out pastoral work inspired by Charles de Foucauld. Sister Geneviève organized the visit of the Pope, who called her affectionately “enfant terrible.”
The Holy Father was taken to a games room used for children’s parties and was received with thunderous applause. Surrounded by colourful cartoon characters, ball pits and candy machines, the Pope sat down and shared a moment full of joy with the community. In his brief address, he thanked everyone for their work and greeted several children and adults.
One of the most emotive moments was when 9-year-old Oscar gave the Pope a carillon in the shape of a carousel and a letter with 5 euros to buy himself an ice cream. The Pope was also moved on hearing the personal stories of some of the families, showing his empathy and support at all times.
The meeting culminated with a small show of clowns and acrobats in honour of the Holy Father, who enjoyed the show raising his thumb and laughing with the artists’ tricks.
Before leaving, the Pontiff thanked everyone again for the warm reception and for their work. His farewell was marked by embraces, photographs and a video-message for “Grandma Laura.” The Pope left by car, leaving a profound impression in all those present.
Sister Geneviève expressed her gratitude for the Pope’s visit to the Vatican media, highlighting the closeness and love that the community feels for him. “We felt the Pope very close. It’s an enormous joy for all of us,” she said excitedly.
Pope Francis’ gesture, on a hot summer’s day, offered a breath of hope and joy to a community that has gone through difficult times, reaffirming his commitment to take the Church’s message of love and support to all corners.
