After another stroll in the popemobile, Pope Francis arrived at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, where he was able to practice his English again, 30 years later.
“How old are you?”
The center provides daily food and services to hundreds of needy people, some of whom were greeted by the Holy Father.
Later, the director of the center welcomed Pope Francis and assured him of the Brothers' support.
The pope responded with an unexpected address of his own, expressing his gratitude for the Capuchin Brothers' work.
POPE FRANCIS
“You have a special understanding with the people of God, and with the poor especially. You have the grace of contemplating the wounds of Jesus and persons in need, who are not happy because they have nothing or they're full of vices. For you, it's the flesh of Christ, and this is your witness, and the Church has real need of this witness.”
Pope Francis then shared a special message with the visitors.
POPE FRANCIS
“I thank you for coming here with trust. I ask you one thing, 'Do you know what it means to have trust?' They help you without taking away your dignity. It's the face of Jesus Christ. Thanks for the trust that you offer, that you give. You are the Church, the people of God.”
To mark his visit, the pope presented the Brothers with an image of St. Francis by Italian artist Giuseppe Tedeschi. His translator explained the symbolism.
“The two things that are important are the reference to peace – we must always be references to peace like you – but also the stigmata that is very close to the suffering of Christ for the people, the love of Christ for the people.”
After Pope Francis received some gifts from the visitors themselves, these elders bid him farewell with a rendition of “He's Got the Whole World in His Hand.”
