Fr Lombardi: Pope’s appreciation of popular piety

(Vatican Radio) The Head of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, said Pope Francis strongly appreciates expressions of popular piety and that’s why Saturday’s Mass at the Marian Shrine of Caacupé in Paraguay was undoubtedly a moment of “profound joy” for him.  Referring to the extra unscheduled stops during an already packed papal schedule, Father Lombardi paid tribute to the Pope’s “incredible energy” and spoke of how “he is always ready for new initiatives.”  Father Lombardi’s remarks came during an interview with our correspondent in Asuncion, Linda Bordoni.

Listen to the interview with Father Federico Lombardi: 

Speaking about the Mass celebrated on Saturday at the Marian Shrine of Caacupé in Paraguay, Father Lombardi said this event was definitely one of the highlights of the entire visit to Latin America for Pope Francis.  He said the Pope very much appreciates popular piety, seeing it as “the expression of a profound faith.”  He also spoke of the Pope’s particularly strong personal “bond” with the devotion to the Virgin of Caacupé which dates back to the time when he ministered to Paraguayan immigrants living in Argentina.

Another key event singled out by Father Lombardi was the Pope’s meeting with representatives of civil society in Asuncion, an encounter that brought together people from more than 1,000 different groups.   He described this as “a courageous initiative” on the Pope’s part, explaining that he wants these people to work together in a constructive manner for the common good despite often having very different ideas.  

Asked about Pope Francis’ various extra unscheduled stops during an already packed agenda in Paraguay, Father Lombardi paid tribute to the Holy Father’s “incredible energy”, saying he’s “always ready for new initiatives.”