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

Cardinal Roche Doubles Down on ‘Traditionis Custodes’

In an undelivered consistory address, the prefect for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the

After Lourdes’ Decision On Rupnik Art, Fátima Shrine Not Planning To Remove Mosaics

The Lourdes shrine announced Monday it is covering mosaics by alleged abuser Fr. Marko Rupnik, while the Fatima shrine said it won’t remove its own Rupnik artwork.

Vatican: Gänswein to return to home diocese in July

The Vatican confirmed Thursday that Pope Francis has asked Archbishop Georg Gänswein to return to Germany as of July 1.

Pope Leo XIV Might Visit Ukraine When Conditions Allow, Says Archbishop

In a private audience with Pope Leo XIV on May 16, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, invited the Pope to visit Ukraine to bring comfort to a people worn down by war.

First Holy Door closed: ‘Special time for the Church is closed, but not God’s grace’

With the closing of the Holy Door of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, the Vatican began on

Pope Francis to Vladimir Putin: A Negotiated Peace is Better than an Endless War

Asked during a new interview if he has any message for Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who instigated the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis stated that “a negotiated peace is better than an endless war.”

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com