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

The Pope Speaks by Phone with the President of Iran about the War in Israel and Gaza

Pope Francis' efforts for peace in the Holy Land continue. As confirmed by the Holy See, on the afternoon of Sunday, November 5, the Holy Father held a conversation with the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi.

The First Conclave: Origins of the Conclave

Where was the first Conclave? EWTN Vatican explains the origin of the Conclave.

Pope Leo XIV allows outside banks to manage Holy See investments

Pope Leo XIV has permitted the Holy See’s main financial body to use financial institutions outside the Vatican

From World Youth Day to the Vatican: How the Caritas Cup Is Uniting Young Catholics Through Sport

The Caritas Cup—founded five years ago by four Scottish high school students to help young Catholics grow in faith through athletics—gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Sport.

UPDATE: Pope Leo, patriarch in Lisbon pray for those killed, injured in cable car accident

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those who were killed and injured in an accident involving the Elevador da Glória, an iconic funicular train that crashed at high speed into a building on Sept. 3.

Pope Francis Calls Gaza Priest as Israel Announces Blockade

Pope Francis speaks with Catholic priest in Gaza amid escalating conflict and extends his blessings to the besieged community

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com