Pope Francis: surprise visit to Commission for Latin America
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis paid a surprise call on the officers and staff of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America on Wednesday. The Holy Father knocked on the door of the Commission’s offices shortly after 9 AM Rome Time Wednesday, saying, “I just thought I’d drop by,” and asking the ranking official on site, prof. Guzmàn Carriquiry, whether he, “had a few minutes to spare for a chat.”
After a half hour’s conversation Pope Francis greeted the office workers one-by-one, pausing for photographs – including a few selfies – and sharing some memories of his visits to the Commission when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
The Holy Father decided on the surprise visit after a dental appointment in the Vatican. Having been informed of the complicated security protocols involved in such an impromptu jaunt, Pope Francis responded, “Don’t worry: we’re in God’s hands.”