A pastoral visit for the Pope

Today at 4:00pm (Rome time), His Holiness, Pope Francis arrived at the parish of Saint Cyril of Alexandria at Tor Sapienza, in the eastern region of the Diocese of Rome.  There he conducted a pastoral visit.

Upon his arrival, the Pope met with the sick and with children who have recently celebrated First Communion, then with the children who were baptized during the past year and their parents.  Finally, he also met with the young people who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation before hearing the confessions of a few of the parishioners.

At 6:00pm, the Holy Father presided at the celebration of the Eucharist and conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation upon nine of the young people who were present.  Concelebrating with the Pope were the Cardinal Vicar for Rome, His Eminence, Agostino Vallini; the Auxiliary Bishop entrusted with the pastoral care of that particular section of the Diocese, His Excellency, Giuseppe Marciante; the parish priest, Father Marco Ridolfo and the former parish priest, Father Marc Benazet, SCJ.

When the Eucharistic celebration was complete, the Pope met with the members of the Parish Council and then returned to the Vatican.