The sound of bagpipes filled Paul VI Hall at the conclusion of the Pope's General Audience.
This is the group from Campobasso, a town in Italy's Molise region, that brought some Christmas cheer to the Vatican. The bagpipers even had a chance to greet Pope Francis.
ANTONIO
“He spoke with us. He told us that a priest friend of his in Argentina was from Campobasso, a good friend of his. And that they were supposed to go on a mission in Antarctica together, but that they were unable to go in the end, I don't know why.”
All of their instruments were handmade by Franco, one of the group members. And now Pope Francis is the proud owner of his very own bagpipe.
ANTONIO
“We gave the Pope a small handcrafted bagpipe, a souvenir. And a letter in which we wished him a happy birthday and a Merry Christmas. We thanked him for welcoming us, and we gave him a donation for the poor.”
The group is part of the Association of Bagpipers of Matese. This isn't the first time they play for the Pope, but this year was especially important because the pandemic made it impossible for them to make their usual trip in 2020.
ANTONIO
“Today was very exciting because 2020 left a huge void inside us. Yes, we needed to see the Pope again, because encountering him is always a moment of grace and joy, but especially of grace because he's the leader of the Church.”
The bagpipes of Molise hope to return again next year to fill St. Peter's Square with their characteristic music.
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AA / VM
