My Pope Philippines – August 2018

THE POPE LOVES

BEING WITH PEOPLE

Have you heard the story about the Santo Papa and the elevator?
A housekeeper says that one time, when the chambermaids were in the
elevator with their pails and brooms, the doors opened on the second floor
and the Pope appeared. The women hastily gathered their things and prepared
to leave the elevator to make room for the Pope, when he said, “No, no. Stay.
Let’s just huddle a bit and we can all fit.” Anna, one of the people in charge of
the Sacristy, also has a story: On his birthday, Pope Francis was given a richly
decorated chasuble (priest’s vestments) to celebrate Mass, but he asked for
it to be donated to a priest with lesser means. There’s also the story about the
Pope’s table napkin, which had to be changed every meal. He thought this was
a waste, so he asked for his to be changed just twice a week, as they do for all
the other guests. Now he keeps it in an envelope with his name, “P. Francis,”
embroidered on it. These are just a few examples of the Santo Papa’s humility
that has won over everyone in the house, including Flora, the Filipina who
tidies up his room; Gabriele, the warehouse keeper; Patrizia, who works at the
laundry and ironing room; and Alessandro, the maintenance man in charge of
keeping the plumbing and the electrical systems running.

INSIDER’S SCOOP!

elevator?

idsweerereiin thn the e

ndfloor

d

Workers at Casa Santa Marta reveal
what the Pope is really like.

The name Casa

Santa Marta comes

from the Pontificium Hospitium Sanctae Marthae,

which was built in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII and

intended as a residence for bishops, priests, and

the religious. In 1992, Pope John Paul II had it torn

down to erect a much larger and more functional

building in its place. This new building was meant

to house cardinals during the conclave. It’s thanks

to a particular experience that prompted Pope

John Paul II to have Casa Santa Marta built—

he remembered all too well the two conclaves

he joined in 1978, when 111 voting cardinals

had to squeeze into makeshift cells around

the Sistine Chapel, with no running water,

air-conditioning, or heating system!

The People's Pope With the king of Jordan, Abdullah II

(right). From powerful individuals to regular folks

(left), the Pope treats everyone with respect.

Breakfast is Served Lolo Kiko is welcomed

by the dining room staff. Right, an employee

of Casa Santa Marta greets him.

DID YOU KNOW?