Depsite cancelling the General Audience on August 16, Pope Francis met with the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, in the Apostolic Palace.
One of the first things the Pope did was ask the President about his family.
And your family is good?
-Yes.
In the brief meeting, President Andry gave Pope Francis a painting of Malagasy rural life and the game, Solitaire, using marbles made from local stones.
I have to learn how to play.
-Yes.
Towards the end the audience, the Pope invited the President and his family to take a photo with the small replica of a ship that was given to him during the papal visit to Madagascar in 2019.
They prayed the Hail Mary in French in front of an image of Our Lady given to him by the Malagasy bishops before Pope Francis imparted a final blessing.
KG
