"So many priests!" Under a light rain, after about an hour's journey in a utility car, amidst traffic of cars and scooters unaware of pulling over to the side to let the car with the Pope on board pass, Francis arrived yesterday afternoon, shortly after 4 p.m., at the Roman parish of St. Mary Mother of Hospitality. A parish in the outermost suburbs of Rome, in an expansive area dotted with situations of poverty and marginalization. The main objective of Bergoglio's visit was to meet "his" priests, continuing the cycle of visits to the various prefectures, inaugurated last September 29. Yesterday at St. Mary Mother of Hospitality there were at least 40 priests. The Pope shook hands with each one, "Have I greeted you all?" he said, handing out rosary chaplets. After coffee ("Thank you, so I don't fall asleep," he joked), the Pontiff moved to a small room where together with the priests he recited the prayer to the Holy Spirit chosen for the pastoral year 2023-2024. From there the repartee with the priests who, in turn, asked questions. Sitting at a desk, the Pope took notes and answered each question. The last stop of the visit was the meeting with the families welcomed in the parish.
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