Pope thanks Vatican ushers, escorts for service

January 10, 2014

Pope Francis met on January 14 with papal ushers and with “Gentlemen of His Holiness,” thanking them for their work in escorting visitors and dignitaries at the Vatican.

The ushers, formally known as Sediari Pontifici, escort guests at papal audiences and visitors to the papal apartment. The Pope said that their work calls for “love for the Church and for the Holy See, welcoming cordiality, patience, calmness and serenity of bearing, which constitute a fine calling card presented to those who visit the apostolic palace to meet Peter's successor.”

The Gentlemen of His Holiness, members of a group that was traditionally composed of young men from noble Roman families, escort heads of state and heads of government who visit the Vatican and meet with the Pontiff. Reminding them that these dignitaries form their first impressions of the Vatican when they are greeted, the Pope said that the role calls for “the gifts of politeness and cordiality,” and the ability to “put these people at ease.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis to the Papal Gentlemen: Bear Witness to Evangelical Coherence, Unblemished by Worldliness (VIS)
• The Pope to Papal Ushers: Your Work Is a "Calling Card" for Those Who Encounter Peter's Successor (VIS)