As is tradition, Pope Francis went to greet the 75 journalists one by one, who accompanied him on the flight to Cuba and the United States. He talked a bit to those present of his excitement that morning, when he said goodbye to the Syrian family staying in the Vatican.
One by one, the journalists gave him personal gifts: books, trophies, letters, and numerous selfies were taken with him.
Andres Beltramo Alvarez, from the Mexican agency Notimex of the Vatican Insider, let the Pope hear a message from one of his daughters on his cell. Jean-Louis Vassiere, from the Presse Agency, gave him his latest book. Christiana Caricato, from the Catholic broadcaster TV2000, showed him the “Popemojis” designed by Aleteia for smartphones: “I’m much better there than in reality,” joked the Pope. Telemundo reporter handed him a copy of the Emmy he won for the television coverage of the conclave, and the Argentina journalist Elisabetta Pique gave him a box of Argentine dulce de leche sweets.
The journalist Maria Antonieta Collins, from Univision, gave him a box of meat empanadas, typical of Argentina, cooked in one of Miami’s best restaurants, to hand out during the flight to those present.
And today we celebrate...