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.

More news related to this article

Jubilee 2025 Announcement

Pope Francis proclaims the Jubilee 2025, urging believers to be builders of hope in a world plagued by despair. The Holy Year begins with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.

Pope Francis cuts free and discounted rent for cardinals, Vatican managers

Pope Francis has cut housing perks for Vatican managers and cardinals in order to save the Church money.

Pope Francis: On this feast of God who becomes a child, let us think of the children of Ukraine

This year,” the Holy Father noted, “will be filled with the multitude of refugees from Ukraine, to whom
Leo XIV, Easter 2026 | Leo XIV at the Urbi et Orbi, Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, April 5, 2026 | Daniel Ibanez / EWTN Vatican

Easter 2026 Urbi et Orbi: Full Text of Pope Leo XIV’s Message

Brothers and sisters,Christ is risen! Happy Easter! For centuries, the Church has joyfully sung of the event that

Cardinal Parolin: Solidarity is Key to Combating Poverty

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, delivered a significant speech emphasizing that solidarity is the key to changing structures responsible for poverty and exclusion. 

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com