Skip to content

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to amusement park

Pope Francis left the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon for Ostia, a seaside town not far from Rome, to greet Sister Geneviève Jeanningros and the employees of the Summer Park Festival at Luna Park.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff visited Jeanningros, an 81-year-old nun who has been serving homosexuals and “transgender” people at the Italian Luna Park for 56 years.

The nun lives there in a trailer with another nun named Anna Amelia, with whom she also accompanies the community.

The Holy Father took the opportunity to greet the fairground workers and circus artists, who put on a show.

Pope Francis visits with Sister Geneviève Jeanningros and the community of carousel workers and circus performers at the Luna Park on July 31, 2024. Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Francis visits with Sister Geneviève Jeanningros and the community of carousel workers and circus performers at the Luna Park on July 31, 2024. Credit: Vatican Media

He also blessed a statue of “Our Lady, Protector of the Traveling Show and the Circus” and greeted the families and children present.

Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Madonna at Luna Park on July 31, 2024. Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Madonna at Luna Park on July 31, 2024. Credit: Vatican Media

Earlier this year, on June 5, Pope Francis greeted the nun after the general audience at the Vatican. On that occasion, Jeanningros noted that the pontiff had previously received the LGBT “community” that she assists.

“They love him so much because this is the first time that a pope welcomes trans and gay people. They thank him because they have finally found a Church that has reached out to them,” said the nun of the Little Sisters of Jesus.

 

This article was originally published on CNA.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis Confirms New Head of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Pope Francis has confirmed a new head of the Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Eastern Catholic church in India.
Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter's gift, a gift of Mussolini to the Vatican City State. Credit: Canva

How the Vatican Became a Country

A secretive deal, a historic compromise. February 11, 1929, marked a key moment in the modern history of

Cardinal Pizzaballa on Truce Between Israel and Hamas: ‘It was Absolutely Necessary’

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, believes the ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas was “absolutely necessary” and called for immediate attention to be given to food, health, and educational needs.

‘You don’t play with life’: Pope Francis condemns euthanasia, abortion on papal plane

Pope Francis condemned euthanasia and abortion as actions that “play with life” and said there is such a

Inter Mirifica: The Legacy of the Second Vatican Council

December 4, 2023 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the promulgation of Inter Mirifica, the Decree of the Second

With special permission, prisoners travel to Rome for the jubilee

The last major event of the Jubilee of Hope was dedicated to prisonersaround the world, some of whom during

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com