Catholics in Argentina who waited through the night to watch the installation Mass of Pope Francis on Tuesday were surprised with a phone call from their native pontiff.
The pope made the call from the Vatican to the the cathedral in Buenos Aires, where he previously served as archbishop.
From Reuters:
In the hours before the Mass was due to start, thousands of faithful gathered around large television screens set up in the central square of Plaza de Mayo, overlooked by the cathedral and the famous pink presidential palace.
In his telephone message at 3:30 a.m. local time, Francis, or Francisco as he is known in the Spanish-speaking world, thanked the crowds for their prayers.
“Thank you for praying, for your prayers, which I need a lot,” he said. “I want to ask you a favor that we walk together, that we look after each other … look after life, look after the family, nature,” he said.
“Don’t forget this bishop, who though far away, cares so much for you. Pray for me,” he added, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
