Pope makes surprise visit to Vatican's 'blue-collar' workers
August 09, 2013
Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Vatican’s “industrial zone” on Friday, August 9, to meet individually with carpenter, machinists, printers, and other blue-collar workers on the Vatican support staff.
The Pope made a quick tour of the Vatican’s printing, heating, and water plants, the metal-working and carpenters’ shops. He shook hands with the workers, asked them questions about their jobs and the equipment they were using, and wished them well.
The papal visit, lasting 20 minutes, was completely unexpected. But a photographer for L’Osservatore Romano, whose office is in the same neighborhood, captured the moment as stunned workers said their goodbyes to the Pontiff.
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Further information:
- A surprise visit (L’Osservatore Romano)
- Pope Francis visits Vatican's "Industrial Zone" (Vatican Radio)
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