Father Lombardi on the first anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Francis

Vatican City, 11 March 2014: Ahead of the first anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Francis on March 13, Fr Frederico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican Press Office, spoke to Vatican Radio. According to him, the message of the Pope attracts people around the world, who feel touched by his word of love, care, compassion, and closeness. He recalled the unforgettable moment when Pope Francis first appeared at the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
He also recalled the washing of the feet of the young people in prison on Holy Thursday, his trip to Lampedusa, and his presence at the World Youth Day in Rio. Fr Lombardi said that Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, is where the heart of the Pope is clearly articulated as the program of his pontificate.

Asked about the change Pope wants in the Church, Fr Lombardi said that the Church is like a pilgrim people. The Pope has given a big boost and walks with the Church that seeks the will of God, who seeks her mission in the world today for the good of all. The Pope has often spoken of the shepherds who are in front, and behind the flock, to help them walk, to find their way. Fr Lombardi said that he thinks that Pope Francis is really so and he also invites the whole Church to be in that way. There is a strong sense of dynamism, said the Press office director, especially when the Church reflects on the family, in preparation for the coming Synod.

When asked about what significant images of the first year of the Pontificate come to his mind, Fr Lombardi recalled the Wednesday general audiences, where the Pope passes through the people greeting them, and in particular his lingering with the sick. His choice specifies that the sick are the first that he salutes after finishing his catechesis. It seems to me very significant, he said adding, those who suffer and those who are weak have a priority in the heart of the Pope and of the Church, because they have a high priority in the Gospel.

When asked about what does it mean to be the spokesman of Pope Francis, Fr Lombardi said that it is nice because the protagonist is the Pope himself. He attracts and affects people with his words, and does not need a particular mediation. This seems to me a very positive experience. The Pope comes directly without distance, and without obstacles to people's hearts with his words. The spokesman or the director of the Press Office provides more background organizational information and on decisions that are taken. But what is important is that the word of the Pope for the people, for the world, for the Church comes directly to them. Source: VR Sedoc