Rome – A simple gesture, but full of meaning. Before leaving the Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis wanted to address a special thought to a faithful who for 38 days never stopped praying for him: Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, 79 years.
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"I thank everyone, I greet this lady with the yellow flowers," said the Pontiff, looking out from the balcony of the hospital before returning to Casa Santa Marta. An emotional recognition for Mancuso, who every morning went to the hospital chapel to attend Mass and every evening joined the faithful in St. Peter's Square to recite the rosary.
The Faith and Devotion of Carmela Mancuso
"I was waving the flowers and I saw that he only looked at me. I am not worthy, I don't know what to say. I am very happy and very excited," the woman said through tears, overwhelmed by emotion. "It is a grace, a world of emotions that I cannot express in words," she added.
The bond between Mancuso and Pope Francesco was born in December 2017, when she first meets him. Since then, she has never missed a Wednesday audience, always bringing him some yellow roses, symbol of the Vatican flag, accompanied by a greeting card written together with his friends.
The Pope's last gesture before returning to the Vatican
After leaving Gemini, Pope Francesco made a stop in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he delivered to Cardinal Makrickas some flowers to be placed in front of the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani. A further sign of devotion before returning to Casa Santa Marta.
Article published on March 23, 2025 - 13pm
This gesture by the Pope is truly incredible, but I don't understand why he chose Carmela. There are so many people who pray for him, but perhaps his bond with her is special. I hope there are more moments like this.