Papal Exhortation for Argentines

Pope Francisco

Pope Francisco formulated a petition, mainly, to his Argentine compatriots: that instead of making a long and expensive trip to the Vatican to be present at the enthronement ceremony to be held on Tuesday, March 19, spend that money to help the poor, said Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi.

According to the Roman authorities, at least 1 million people will go to the Roman capital to be present at the official inauguration Mass of Benedict XVI successor, who will not attend; but to which several  worldwide leaders will,  including the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador and Paraguay, as well as the heir to the Spanish crown.

This Saturday the Pope Francisco plans to receive the world’s press gathered in Rome, although it was first said he would not accept questions, and Sunday morning, from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace, deliver the traditional Angelus.