Pope Francis resumed a busy schedule of meetings and celebrations after a hiatus of almost a month. In October, he focused his work on the Synod on Synodality rather than public meetings.
In the first week of November alone, the Pope has presided over two important Eucharistic celebrations. He left the Vatican to celebrate Mass at the World War II British military cemetery in Rome.
He then also presided over a Mass in honor of the cardinals and bishops who have died during the last year. In his homily, Pope Francis remembered Pope Benedict XVI, whose one year anniversary of death will be next month.
Besides these major events, the Pope resumed holding private audiences. He received two new ambassadors to the Holy See: the Ambassador of Brazil and the Ambassador of Switzerland, who presented him with their credentials.
Pope Francis also met with members of the Brazilian television station, "Rede di Vida." During this audience, the station's founder was present and they sang happy birthday to him in Portuguese.
Before bidding him farewell, the Pope had an endearing moment with this elderly woman.
-Thank you.
-Keep smiling. Keep on laughing.
And then he greeted journalist, Joao Monteiro:
-How old?
-Eighty-five.
This was one of the many meetings in Pope Francis' busy schedule. He was also present for a private audience with the president of a social foundation in the United Arab Emirates, where he will travel to from December 1 to 3.
CA
TR: KG