Pope Francis asks Argentinians not to travel to Rome, to give the money to the poor instead

Pope Francis has asked Argentinians not to come to Rome for the start of his pontificate on Tuesday March 19, and to donate the money they would have spent on the trip in some gesture of charity to the needy. 

The text was sent by Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, apostolic nuncio in Argentina, and disseminated by the agency AICA of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. 

The text says: "I have the honor and pleasure of addressing you to inform you that the Holy Father Francis asked me to pass on to all the bishops, priests, religious men and women, and all of the People of God his deeply felt gratitude for the prayers and expressions of love, affection, and charity he has received.." 

"At the same time, his preference is that instead of going to Rome for the start of his pontificate on March 19, you continue with that valuable spiritual closeness accompanied with some gesture of charity toward those most in need."

The Pope's concern is due, among other things, to that fact that Argentina is the southernmost country of the world. The cost of air travel, for this reason, is very high.  

Buenos Aires, March 14, 2013-03-15

Prot. No. 2767/13

Your Excellency,

I have the honor and pleasure of addressing you to inform you that the Holy Father Francis asked me to pass on to all the bishops, priests, religious men and women, and all of the People of God his deeply felt gratitude for the prayers and expressions of love, affection, and charity he has received. At the same time, his preference is that instead of going to Rome for the start of his pontificate on March 19, you continue with that valuable spiritual closeness accompanied with some gesture of charity toward those most in need.

I take advantage of this joyful occasion to confirm my sentiments of deferent attention. 

Emil Paul Tscherrig

Apostolic Nuncio