The Pope has made a surprise dinner visit, to the delight of Rome’s Jesuits.
Thursday evening, to mark the feast of St. Ignatius, the Holy Father made a surprise visit for dinner at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome, reported Vatican Radio.
Last year, Pope Francis marked the feast of St. Ignatius by celebrating Mass with the Jesuits at the order’s mother church in Rome’s center, the Church of the Gesù.
In his Ford Focus last night, the Jesuit Pontiff arrived to the curia located on Borgo Santa Spirito just outside of Vatican City. Before entering, he greeted several passers-by outside the front door of the Jesuit Curia offices.
The visit was wholly private, and quite simple, according to a statement the Jesuits issued.
Not only did the Pope join the community for a meal in the refectory, but also he we went in the recreation room for coffee, made friendly conversation, and greeted each person personally.
The seven brothers and sisters of Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, the Jesuit kidnapped in Syria one year ago, were guests at the meal, the statement also said. Pope Francis consoled them with words of comfort.
Also present was a group of Jesuit scholastics belonging to European Jesuits in Formation, in Rome for a few weeks for their annual gathering at the Jesuit General Curia.
After the meal, Pope Francis left through the Curia’s back-garden.
On the Jesuit’s website, you can see photos of Pope Francis touring the facility and praying in the chapel.
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On the NET:
The Jesuit Curia in Rome: http://www.sjweb.info/
