Pope Francis at the Olympic Stadium: a celebration for 52000 faithful. The commotion of President Malagò

papapstadiogmt1Pope Francis has entered today for the first time the Olympic Stadium for taking part in the 37th Gathering of the Catholic movement Renovation of the Spirit, with the title "Receive the Holy Ghost. For an 'out' and 'missionary' Church". Pope Francis has been welcomed by the Rome vicar Cardinal Agostino Vallini and by Rns President Salvatore Martinez, by CONI President Giovanni Malagò and by the Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino. It is the fourth time that a Pope has come to the Olympic Stadium: before Pope Bergoglio, John Paul the Second had been there three times: for the jubilee of sportsmen, on the 12th of April, 1984; the blessing of the football field after the renovation on the 37th anniversary, and in the last occasion for the sporstmen jubilee of 2000, on the 29th of October, when Pope Wojtyla for the first time celebrated Mass there and then was present at the Italy-Rest of the World match. The Olympic Stadium, that on Friday and Saturday had hosted the concert of singer Ligabue, in only one night it has been promptly transformed by Coni Servizi in order to welcome the Pope and the Catholic gathering. At the end of the celebration, President Malagò has confessed his emotion: "It has been fantastic and moving. The Pope has greatly honored us with his presence here at the Olympic Stadium in this afternoon that will be unforgettable for us. Thank you, Holy Father for the joy you have given us." 

 

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