The pope met at the Vatican with the members of the gypsy community who live in and around Rome.
It was a meeting filled with much emotion as Pope Francis heard some of their testimonies. For example, Fr. Cristian explained how prejudices against the Gypsies are still very much present.
CRISTIAN DI SILVO
“I remember when talking to my fellow seminarians, the first thing they asked me was if I was living in a trailer; if I was begging; and if my family went to steal wallets from Termini Station.”
He also gave this letter to the pope before leaving. Additionally, these mothers described to Pope Francis the difficulties confronted by women of their ethnicity.
MOTHER
“It's even harder if you're a woman living in the most extreme suburbs. We receive hate speeches and also violent attacks against our communities. These problems are constantly increasing and this is a source of deep concern for us.”
The pope recognized immediately the pain contained in these people's testimonies he had just heard.
POPE FRANCIS
“In both testimonies there was always present this bitter pain of separation.”
“At the seminary, they asked you if you were begging and going to Termini.”
He did not hesitate to encourage them and harshly criticized those who dismiss as well as classify others based on their prejudices.
POPE FRANCIS
“It is true that there are second-class citizens. However, the real second class citizens are those who discard people. They are second class, because they do not know how to embrace.” “They live by discarding. They live with a broomstick in their hands, throwing others out.”
The pope told them he understood that they might feel resentment. For this reason, he made a special request to all of them.
POPE FRANCIS
“When resentment comes, let it go. History will do you justice. Resentment sickens everything: it sickens the heart, the head, everything...' “Resentment leads you to revenge. However... I don't think you invented revenge! In Italy there are organizations that are masters of revenge. You understand me well, don't you?”
The pope then took photos with the participants and greeted them one by one. He also received many gifts.
He took selfies.
They sang for him.
He even signed photos for them.
