Pope Francis surprised people in the streets of Rome when he showed up at the doors of Pilo Albertelli High School a little before noon.
This is where Andrea Monda, the current director of the Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's news agency, taught.
“I taught my last class here a year ago.”
Monda himself guided the pope through the halls of the school to the courtyard where the students were waiting. The students greeted him with this song.
Pope Francis answered their questions. He gave them advice on how to overcome moments of solitude and how to make the most of the wisdom of good teachers. He concluded with these words.
POPE FRANCIS
'Now I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I wish you all the best, that you can study, work, dream, play, have a mentor. I wish you all the best!'
The students and teachers enthusiastically said goodbye to the pope, who got in this simple vehicle to return to the Vatican.
Javier Romero
Translation: Claudia Torres
