Pope makes surprise visit to office of pontifical commission

July 14, 2016

Pope Francis broke from his schedule on Wednesday to make a surprise visit to the office of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

After a visit to the dentist at the Vatican health services, the Pope told his driver that he wanted to visit the Pontifical Commission. Brushing aside concerns that he would need a security detail to travel outside the grounds of Vatican City, he appeared at the office without any advance notice, and asked to speak privately with Guzman Carriguiry Lecour, the vice-president of the commission, who is an old friend. 

The Pope met privately with Carriquiry for about 30 minutes, then chatted with staff members and posed for pictures before returning to the Vatican. 

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: surprise visit to Commission for Latin America (Vatican Radio)