Greeting Pope Francis for the last time

The first time I was able to greet the Pope, in June 2013, 3 months after I started working at the Vatican, was in Santa Marta after having participated in the morning Mass, with the rest of my colleagues of the then Pontifical Council for the Laity. And yesterday, I was able, also at Santa Marta, to greet him for the last time and to pray, together with his recumbent bodyfor the eternal rest of his soul.

Many employees of the Holy See and our families were able to approach the chapel We came from the Santa Marta residence to greet for the last time the man who had guided our work for 12 years.

They were exciting moments, because you know that you are living a historic moment. As I entered, I recognized Massimiliano Strappetti, the Pope's nurse with whom I have played many times in the Vatican soccer team. Massimiliano has not been away from Francis for 4 years and now neither has he now. I shook his hand and thanked him for all he has done for the Pope.

Kneeling in one of the pews of the chapel, I could only hear the passing of the people who, along the central aisle of the chapel, came to pray for a moment before his mortal remains. I admit that it was difficult to pray in those moments. A multitude of thoughts came to my mind, in particular how my life has changed in the last 12 years.

Memories of Pope Francis

And many memories. Many. From that first time alone, to the many times I was able to greet him with my wife and children, whom the Pope has literally watched grow up. I fondly remember all the times he thanked us for the work we were doing and also that affectionate look with the children... he always had an insightful comment, sometimes ironic, but always with the aim of getting a smile out of you. It was in those moments where you could clearly see his sense of father, of shepherd.

I tried to keep many mental images of this moment so that I could tell my family and friends about it later. Francis, dressed in the red chasuble, was wearing his typical worn-out black shoes, which have traveled the world over, and in his hands was holding the rosary he used every day to address the Blessed Mother. Many people brought flowers and sent him an emotional kiss. On the sides, the Swiss Guard in full dress, rendered honors. And other guards and officers of the Vatican Gendarmerie directed the flow of people in and out of the chapel in order to live this moment with the solemnity and at the same time the simplicity that the Pope desired.

As he left, at about 10 p.m., a snaking line of people in Santa Marta Square continued to wait in silence for the chance to greet Pope Francis for the last time. A multitude of people who have known him beyond the media and social networks. There is a feeling of orphanhood and sadness on the one hand. But at the same time a great hope and serenity knowing that the Lord is the one who governs the Church and will give us a shepherd according to his heart.