Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-pontifical-swiss-guards-audience-community.html

Pope to Swiss Guards: Vatican service a time of brotherhood, growth
06 May 2022, 12:36

Pope Francis greets the officers and members of the Pontifical Swiss Guards, and encourages the troops sworn in to protect the Pope in their duty to build community in service and to discover God’s vocation for their lives.
By Devin Watkins

May 6th is an important date in the life of the Pontifical Swiss Guards, since it marks the date when 147 of their predecessors were killed while protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Each year on this day, new recruits swear an oath of allegiance and officially begin their service in the employ of the Holy Father.

Pope Francis met with the Swiss Guards on Friday to celebrate with them what he called “a beautiful occasion.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
To the Pontifical Swiss Guard (6 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-christian-churches-must-unite-against-the-barbarism-of-war.html

Pope: Christian Churches must unite against barbarism of war
06 May 2022, 13:29

Meeting participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Pope Francis refers to wars in Ukraine and other parts of the world, saying they challenge the conscience of every Christian and every Church.
By Lisa Zengarini

In the face of the “barbarism of war”, Christian Churches are called to renew their commitment to and their joint efforts for Christian unity, witnessing to the Gospel of peace and fraternity, so as to give a credible testimony to Jesus Christ.

This was at the heart of Pope Francis’s address to the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, which concluded on Friday.

The meeting took place from 2-6 May under the theme: “Towards an ecumenical celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea I (325-2025)".
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
To Participants at the Plenary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (6 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-receives-the-president-of-the-swiss-confederation.html

Pope Francis receives the President of the Swiss Confederation
06 May 2022, 17:15

Pope Francis meets with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Ignazio Cassis, on Friday, on the occasion of the solemn swearing-in of 36 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guards.
Vatican News

Pope Francis, on Friday  received in audience the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Ignazio Cassis, on the occasion of the commemoration of the sacrifice of the 147 Swiss Guards killed on May 6, 1527, during the Sack of Rome, and of the solemn swearing-in of 36 new rescruits in the Pontifical Corps.
The Swiss  leader subsequently met  the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office said the talks focused on the good bilateral relations, and that both parties noted with satisfaction that “the transfer of the Swiss Embassy to the Holy See to Rome" is "sign of the desire to intensify mutual contacts to foster collaboration in sectors of common interest, especially in the area of promoting justice and peace".

The ongoing war in Ukraine and its repercussions in Europe, with particular reference  to the situation of Ukrainian refugees and displaced people in need of humanitarian assistance, were also anoter topic of discussion during the talks.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/argentine-bishops-send-letter-to-pope-francis-120th-plenary.html

Argentine Bishops to Pope: 'We offer fraternal support in your work for peace'
06 May 2022, 13:00

In a letter to Pope Francis for their 120th Plenary Assembly, Argentina's Bishops express their closeness to the Argentine Pope and praise his 'untiring courage and tenacity' in working peace between Russia and Ukraine.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"Your brother bishops on pilgrimage in Argentina wish to convey to you our closeness, affection, and fidelity."

This is how the Bishops of Argentina began a letter sent to Pope Francis on the occasion of their 120th Plenary Assembly.

The Lord, they stressed, is asking the Pope to be His messenger of peace at this moment in humanity's history.

“We, who know you, know of your untiring courage and tenacity in working for good and peace between Russia and Ukraine and throughout the world.”

They added, "We know that you are close to those who suffer from the violence of war and that you are ready to give your life if necessary to end this and all wars."
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-discourse-pontifical-liturgical-institute.html

Pope: May the study of the liturgy lead to greater ecclesial unity
07 May 2022, 10:50

Pope Francis addresses members of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant'Anselmo and stresses the importance of the study of the liturgy leading to greater ecclesial unity.
By Francesca Merlo

Addressing members of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant'Anselmo in the Vatican on Saturday, Pope Francis noted that their meeting, celebrating 60 years since the institution’s foundation, “came about as a response to the growing need of the People of God to live and participate more intensely in the liturgical life of the Church”. He noted that their institution's dedication to the study of the liturgy is well recognised and that experts that were trained in their classrooms promote the liturgical life of many dioceses in very different cultural contexts.

Pope Francis went on to note three dimensions that emerge clearly from the Council’s drive for the renewal of liturgical life. These are: active and fruitful participation in the liturgy; ecclesial communion animated by the celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacraments of the Church; and the impetus to the evangelising mission from the liturgical life that involves all the baptised.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251170/pope-francis-it-s-not-possible-to-worship-god-while-making-the-liturgy-a-battleground
Pope Francis: ‘It’s not possible to worship God while making the liturgy a battleground’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 7, 2022 / 08:10 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
Teachers and students of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (7 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-to-mercedarians-listen-to-god-in-your-mission.html

Pope to Mercedarians: listen to God in your mission
07 May 2022, 14:41

Pope Francis addresses a group of Mercedarians as they meet for their General Chapter.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis welcomed a group of religious of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, commonly known as Mercedarians, on  Saturday on the occasion of their General Chapter.

The Order was established in the XIII century in Barcelona by Peter Nolasco , a Spanish merchant,   for the redemption of Christian captives. With over seven hundred members in twenty-two countries, the Friars have continued the same redemptive spirit of their founder. 

In his address, the Holy Father dwelled on the motto chosen for the Chapter “Do whatever He tells you!" (Jn, 2.5), drawn from the Gospel of Jonn on the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed the water-into-wine miracle. 
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
To participants in the General Chapter of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Mercedarians) (7 May2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/south-sudan-easter-message-pope-welby-wallace.html

Pope to South Sudanese leaders: ‘See God in your enemies’
07 May 2022, 13:42

Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Church of Scotland Moderator send their Easter greetings to South Sudan’s political leaders inviting them to go forward on a path of forgiveness and freedom.
By Linda Bordoni

In a joint message celebrating the Easter season, Pope Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby, and Reverend Jim Wallace invite South Sudan’s leaders to work for reconciliation and a future of peace and fraternity.

The Pope is scheduled to travel to South Sudan in July together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, in the person of Reverend Dr. Iain M. Greenshields who will succeed Reverend Jim Wallace in May.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251171/pope-francis-and-archbishop-of-canterbury-say-south-sudan-trip-will-be-a-pilgrimage-of-peace
Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury say South Sudan trip will be a ‘pilgrimage of peace’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 7, 2022 / 09:45 am

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-at-regina-coeli-hear-and-follow-the-lord-our-good-shepherd.html
Pope at Regina Coeli: Hear and follow the Lord, our Good Shepherd
08 May 2022, 12:15

Pope Francis calls on us to hear the Lord when he calls us, to realize that he knows us better than ourselves, and to follow Him as our Good Shepherd, as today's liturgy tells us about the loving bond that exists between the Lord and each one of us.
By Thaddeus Jones

In his catechesis before leading the recitation of the Regina Coeli on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pope Francis recalled how today's liturgy speaks about the Lord who uses "the tender and beautiful image of the shepherd who stays with the sheep." The Lord's sheep "hear" his voice, they "know" him, and they "follow" him.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-regina-coeli-appeal-peace-ukraine-no-weapons.html
Pope: Let‘s pray for peace that is never obtained with weapons
08 May 2022, 12:44

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-offers-prayers-for-victims-of-hotel-explosion-in-cuba.html
Pope offers prayers for victims of hotel explosion in Cuba
08 May 2022, 12:58

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251172/mothers-day-pope-francis-ukraine-peace
Mother’s Day: Pope Francis sends moms ‘Our prayer, affection, best wishes’
By Katie Yoder
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 8, 2022 / 06:08 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Regina Caeli, 8 May 2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-letter-fr-martin-lgtb-outreach-questions.html

Pope to LGBT Catholics: 'God is Father who does not disown any of his children'
09 May 2022, 17:28

Pope Francis answers three questions put to him by Jesuit Father James Martin whose pastoral ministry involves the LGBT community.
By Linda Bordoni

“God’s style is closeness, mercy and tenderness” Pope Francis said answering three questions put to him by Jesuit Father James Martin who ministers to LGBT Catholics.

On 5 May Father Martin had written to the Pope in Spanish asking him to answer some questions that he is most commonly asked by LGBT Catholics and their families.

He received a hand-written response a couple of days afterward, that was published in the form of a short interview on Father Martin’s website “Outreach”.

“With respect to your questions,” the Pope wrote, “a very simple response occurs to me.”

Outreach: What would you say is the most important thing for LGBT people to know about God?

Pope Francis: God is Father and he does not disown any of his children. And “the style” of God is “closeness, mercy and tenderness.” Along this path you will find God.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251180/pope-francis-to-lgbt-people-god-does-not-disown-any-of-his-children
Pope Francis to LGBT people: God ‘does not disown any of his children’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, May 9, 2022 / 10:45 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251190/who-are-the-4-women-being-canonized-as-saints-this-weekend

Who are the 4 women being canonized this weekend?
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 10, 2022 / 06:00 am

Pope Francis will preside over the first canonizations in more than two years this weekend.

Ten people will be officially recognized as saints by the Catholic Church on May 15. Among them are some relatively well-known figures, like Charles de Foucauld, Titus Brandsma, and Devasahayam Pillai.

Less well known are the four Catholic female leaders who will be canonized alongside them. Each of the women founded religious orders which have grown worldwide and made a lasting impact on the Church.

Here are the stories of these four holy women, who all happen to be named for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 

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Full video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-heroine-judith-general-audience.html
Pope at Audience: Elderly's talents and charisms must be celebrated
11 May 2022, 09:24

Continuing his catechesis on the elderly at the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis praises the Biblical heroine Judith, and suggests she can serve as an example of how to properly use the gifts God has given us.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

We must celebrate all the talents and charisms of the elderly.

The Holy Father stressed this message during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, as he continued his series of catecheses "on the meaning and value of old age in the light of God’s Word." He reflected this week on the Old Testament heroine Judith and all the lessons that can be learned from her.

When she was young, Judith had saved her people by slaying the Assyrian general Holofernes. After this victory, she returned home and spent the rest of her life with her family.

The Holy Father suggested that Judith can serve as an example for all those older people who, in retirement, find themselves adjusting to a new chapter of life and new opportunities for personal growth.

The Pope said Judith's time of retirement had come, as it does for many people, after "an intense life of work," of "great dedication," or "after an adventurous existence."
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-sri-lanka-appeal-violence-protests.html
Pope calls Sri Lankans to non-violence amid social unrest
11 May 2022, 10:22

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-ukraine-soldiers-mariupol-wives-general-audience.html
Wives of Ukrainian soldiers appeal to Pope Francis for help
11 May 2022, 16:13

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-and-an-iconic-anti-war-photo.html
Pope Francis and an iconic anti-war photo
11 May 2022, 17:18

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022.index.html
Audiences 2022
General Audience of 11 May 2022

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/cardinal-zen-arrested-in-hong-kong-holy-see-expresses-concern.html

Cardinal Zen arrested in Hong Kong, Holy See expresses concern
11 May 2022, 17:58

Cardinal Joseph Zen was detained in Hong Kong on Wednesday by the police force set up to oversee national security, and charged with “collusion with foreign forces” in connection with his role as administrator of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund. The director of the Vatican Press Office says the Holy See is closely following developments in the situation.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

Ninety-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, who was the Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2009, was arrested on Wednesday by Hong Kong authorities.

The Cardinal has reportedly been released on bail, according to reports circulated via social media by local journalists who also posted photos of Cardinal Zen outside the Wan Chai police station.

As he left the police station around 11 PM Hong Kong time, the Cardinal reportedly got immediately into a car, without offering any comments.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251207/5-things-to-know-about-cardinal-zen
5 things to know about Cardinal Zen
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, May 11, 2022 / 11:05 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-general-state-of-birth-natality-cold-demographic-winter.html

Pope: Concrete measures needed to revive hope in family and birth
12 May 2022, 09:50

At the "General States of Birth" meeting, Pope Francis calls for joint efforts to reverse the course of the “cold demographic winter” as birthrates decline in several nations, stressing that “it can be done” through mutual collaboration at all levels of society.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Addressing participants at the second edition of the “General State of Births” meeting held on Thursday at the Auditorium della Conciliazione in Rome, Pope Francis highlighted that the issue of the birthrate represents a real social emergency that is not immediately perceptible like other problems that occupy the news.

“Fewer children are being born and this means impoverishing everyone’s future,” the Pope said. “Italy, Europe, and the West are impoverishing their future.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
Address of the Holy Father to the participants in the second edition of the General States of Natality (12 May 2022)

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Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/videomessage-migrants-refugees-world-day-message.html
Migrants & Refugees: the Pope asks us to build the future together
12 May 2022, 11:30

A video produced by the Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development marks the release of Pope Francis‘ Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
By Linda Bordoni

Every year the WDMR is the last Sunday of September; in 2022 it will be celebrated on 25 September.

Pope Francis has chosen the title “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” for his annual message.

In the video, the Pope explains that we cannot think of building a future that is not inclusive.

“We are all called to commit ourselves to building a future based on a new global system that better responds to God’s plan, a world where everyone can live in peace and prosperity,” he says.

“How do you think we can build this future together?”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-migrants-refugees-day-message-2022-building-future.html
Pope’s Migrants Day message: ‘Better future must be built with foreigners’
12 May 2022, 11:30

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-canada-apostolic-journey-july-indigenous-people.html

Pope Francis will be traveling to Canada from 24 – 30 July, and will visit the cities of Edmonton, Québec and Iqaluit.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Holy See Press Office on Friday announced that Pope Francis will be travelling to Canada from 24 – 30 July, having accepted invitations from civil and ecclesiastical authorities, as well as the indigenous communities.

The upcoming July visit of the Holy Father will see him visit the cities of Edmonton, Québec and Iqaluit.

Further details about the Pope’s journey to Canada will be made available in coming weeks, the Press Office statement said.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-moral-theology-conference-amoris-laetitia.html

Pope: ‘Family life and love help moral theology interpret faith’
13 May 2022, 12:12

Pope Francis meets with participants in an International Conference on Moral Theology, and urges theologians to help turn the experience of family life and joy into an opportunity to enrich their field of study and the wider Church.
By Devin Watkins

The Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute are holding an International Conference on Moral Theology on 11-14 May, focusing on Amoris Laetitia to mark the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the family.

The Pope met Friday with participants in the conference and reflected on how the family can open up new paths for reflection in the study of moral theology.

He urged moral theologians to “dip into the rich spirituality that wells up from the family.”

The family, said the Pope, is the “domestic Church”, in which prayer and love intermingle with the concreteness of daily life to contribute to the growth of every family member.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Participants in the International Conference of Moral Theology, promoted by the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences (13 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-audience-anglican-commission-arcic-ecumenism-south-sudan.html

Pope to Anglican-Catholic Dialogue Commission: 'Unity prevails over conflict'
13 May 2022, 12:28

Pope Francis encourages the Anglican Communion to contribute to the Catholic Church’s synodal process, and looks ahead to his “pilgrimage of peace” to South Sudan in July in the company of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland.
By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has reiterated the Church's commitment to walk together with the Anglican Communion towards full Christian unity, while reflecting on the ongoing synodal process and expressing his desire to promote peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.

Speaking to members of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Dialogue Commission (ARCIC), whom he received in the Vatican on Friday, the Pope recalled the establishment of the Commission in 1967 by Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey, to embark on a journey of full reconciliation.

He noted that during three phases of work the Commission has sought “to leave behind what compromises our communion and to nurture the bonds that unite Catholics and Anglicans.”

“Yours has been a journey, at times fast, at times slow and difficult. Yet, I would emphasize that it has been, and continues to be, a journey.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
To the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Dialogue Commission (13 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-meeting-loyola-university-students-synod.html

Pope discusses synodal process with professors from Americas
13 May 2022, 12:22

Pope Francis meets with a group of university professors from across the American continents, and Dr. Peter Jones of Loyola University Chicago talks to Vatican News about the encounter and how the Pope's support will help promote synodality in universities.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, led a group of university professors in meeting with Pope Francis on Friday, as part of an initiative linked to the Synod of Bishops.

The team of professors hail from Loyola University in Chicago, and were part of the group that held a virtual meeting with the Pope on 24 February entitled “Building Bridges North-South”.

Other educators from the United States and various Latin American universities took part in the papal audience and are holding a series of other meetings at the Holy See.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-cornelia-de-lange-syndrome-volunteers.html

Pope expresses closeness to people with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
14 May 2022, 11:26

Pope Francis draws attention to the rare genetic disorder known as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and encourages an Italian volunteer association in its efforts to raise awareness.
By Devin Watkins

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which affects around 1 in 10,000 to 30,000 newborns and leads to slow growth, intellectual disability, and bone abnormalities in the upper body.

Pope Francis met on Saturday with members of the “Cornelia de Lange Association”, an Italian non-profit association, to spread the word about the genetic condition.

He especially greeted an Italian man named Vincenzo Placida, who ran nearly 700 km to arrive at the papal audience.

Mr. Placida began his journey in Vigonovo, near the northern city of Venice, to raise awareness about the Syndrome, by which his daughter Valentina is affected, and to raise money for the association dedicated to helping people like her.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
Members of the “Cornelia de Lange” Association (14 May 2022)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-francis-audience-village-of-francis.html

Pope Francis: Church a 'field hospital for vulnerable'
14 May 2022, 12:35

Pope Francis encourages members of the French social organization "Village of Francis" to continue embracing the Church "as a field hospital" and to look to Christ as their model.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Jesus Christ alone fills our thirsty hearts.

Pope Francis stressed this when receiving inhabitants and participants of the Village de Francois in the Vatican on Saturday.

Addressing those gathered as 'friends' and saying he was happy to welcome them, the Pope admitted he initially had some doubts about the project.

“When Étienne Villemain [the Executive Director], "the enfant terrible," who brought this project together with so many others, first told me about it, I could not help but tell him that I was wary of what the Holy Spirit might inspire in him... And now I am happy to see that the project is going ahead!”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2022/may.index.html
Speeches 2022 May
Members of the “Village de François” (14 May 2022)