Pope thanks circus workers for putting smiles on people’s faces

Pope Francis will pay an afternoon visit to Luna Park in Ostia Lido (southwest of Rome), where he will meet the carnival and circus workers living there, assisted by Sisters Geneviève Jeanningros and Anna Amelia, who provide pastoral care for them.

01-08-2024

Pope Francis visits workers at Luna Park in Ostia Lido (Rome) (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Photo)

By Salvatore Cernuzio
Pope Francis took a break from his July “summer vacation” to spend the afternoon of Wednesday, July 31, visiting workers and those who provide pastoral care at a historic amusement park about an hour southwest of Rome. En route to Ostia Lido’s Luna Park, the pope offered his warm wishes and support, saying he wanted to personally express his gratitude for helping to put smiles on people’s faces.

Blessing of the image of Our Lady
Upon his arrival, the Pope paused and made the sign of the cross before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The sign read: “We need Our Lady as our patroness.”

Welcome from Sister Geneviéve
Arriving around 3:05 p.m. in 95-degree (35-degree) heat in a Fiat 500 L that raced between swings and bumper cars, Pope Francis was greeted by French Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus for more than 56 years. She was accompanied by fellow Sister Anna Amelia. The Little Sisters of Jesus draw their inspiration from the writings and testimonies of Saint Charles de Foucauld, who made serving his poorest brothers and sisters his life’s passion. Sister Geneviève has met Pope Francis before and brought several groups she has helped over the years to meet the pope at the end of Wednesday’s general audience.

Meeting the people
Exclaiming, “What great joy you give us!”, Sister Geneviéve, accompanied by the pastor of the nearby Regina Pacis parish, Father Giovanni Vincenzo Patané, led the Pope to a room used for children’s parties. There was thunderous applause as the Pope entered in his wheelchair and his assistants with sweets and rosaries to distribute to everyone.

The Pope took the microphone and spoke a few words, saying: “I thank you all for what you do to make people smile…thank you for helping us bring joy.”