With 13 wheelchairs traveling across St. Peter's Square, it would be hard to miss the Field of Stars Association, or Associazione Campo delle Stelle, who were all clad in blue bandanas and name tags.
LORENZO BASILE
'Field of Stars' Association
'We stay here because in this year, Pope Francis indicated a Jubilee of Mercy.â? 'You can see many people as a part of this group have disabilities. They stay in hospitals, we stay in other hospitals. This is our possibility for all to see the good Pope, a nice Pope. He's fantastic.'
During this year of mercy, the association says they felt the Pope would be understanding of their condition, as he reaches out to everyone without viewing race, religion, age or their individual capabilities. This is not the first time the group has come to Rome. Their last visit was in 2013 after they purchased this van to transport the disabled from the north of Italy down to Rome. However, they admit this visit had better weather.
LORENZO BASILE
'Field of Starsâ? Association
'The Pope, he means serenity, peace and love.â? 'The presence of the Pope is fantastic because with our smile and our eyes it's, yes, we could stay to give him a...hug. It's good, very good, very nice.â?
While only one member of the association could personally embrace the Pope, the rest of the group was pleased to be in the heart of the Catholic Church, where they feel accepted and loved. MB MG -SV PR Up: IPC