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

Pope Leo XIV says God is found in humble places, not in prestige

Celebrating the solemnity of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV said God’s saving

Pope Francis Sends Fraternal Message to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Feast of Saint Andrew

Pope's Message to Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, on the Occasion of the Feast of Saint Andrew

Bishop Christian Carlassare on the Pope’s trip to South Sudan

Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and Pastor Iain Greenshields,

Vatican Prosecutor Seeks 7 Years In Prison, $15 million In Cardinal’s Financial Trial

Vatican prosecutor seeks 7 years in prison for Cardinal Becciu in financial malfeasance trial. $15M in funds to be confiscated.

Vatican Releases Theme for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

The Vatican has released the theme for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com