Final part of visit to central Italy

This afternoon Pope Francis arrived at the last stop on his journey through the earthquake zones: San Pellegrino di Norcia in Umbria.  He was accompanied by the Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia, Most Reverend Renato Boccardo.

The Pope prayed in the red zone in front of the San Pellegrino church which was heavily damaged.  He then greeted the people who were waiting for him outside and using the police megaphone, addressed these words to them: I greet you all. I was close to you and I feel very close in this time of sadness and pray for you and ask the Lord to give strength to move forward. And now I invite you to pray all together the Hail Mary.

At 15:30 Pope Francis returned to Rome.