Pope to Salesians: Continue your service in areas of poverty and war

“As a young man, before entering the Augustinians, I also visited the Salesian community. You came in second place — I’m sorry!”

Pope Leo’s “confession” to the members of the community founded by St. John Bosco was welcomed with laughter, as he addressed them during his visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Castro Pretorio neighbourhood in Rome on Sunday, February 22.

He expressed his appreciation for their service in many parts of the world, “where there is war, where there is conflict, where there is poverty, where Jesus wants to be present.”

A closeness “of Christ and of the Church” that also takes concrete shape on the streets of Rome, in its “heart,” through the charity activities promoted by the parish’s pastoral council.

His meeting with the religious community and the pastoral council were the two concluding moments of the Pope’s pastoral visit to the parish located just a few steps from the Termini Train Station. Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of Rome, was also present.