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Pope makes surprise visit to St Peter's


Altar of St Pius X

Altar of St Pius X

Pilgrims attending the 7am Mass at the Altar of St Pius X in St Peter's Basilica on Friday were surprised to notice Pope Francis praying at the altar. The day was the feast day of the saint.

The Mass was celebrated by Mgr Lucio Bonora, an official of the Vatican's Secretary of State, who was unaware the Pope planned to be there. When he was informed Pope Francis was praying at the altar, he asked if he should go back to the sacristy, but was told to say Mass as usual.

"When Pope Francis saw me, he told me he just came to pray, because he had already said Mass earlier in Casa Santa Marta, and he wanted to pay his respects to St Pius X," Mgr Bonora told Vatican Radio. "When he saw I had come to celebrate Mass, he wanted to remain, to stay there with the faithful, attend Mass and pray," he said.

Mgr Bonora said Pope Francis greeted the faithful during the sign of peace. "It was very moving for me, and for the faithful, to see the Pope as a humble member of the faithful, going to pray at the tomb of St Pius X," the priest said.

Mgr Bonora said Pope Francis told him he has a strong devotion to Pius X, and prayed especially for catechists, since in Buenos Aires the feast serves as the Day of Catechists.

Source: Vatican Radio

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