By Kielce Gussie
Speaking with directors and staff of the Vatican’s florist’s office and building services, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for their work to maintain decorum and safety within the Vatican.
“As directors, employees, and workers of these two operational sectors of the Vatican City, you have shown great commitment to your responsibilities, especially during the recently concluded Jubilee Year”, the Pope highlighted.
Because of their dedication, he pointed out that millions of people had the opportunity to make the pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica “in an orderly and serene manner, fruitfully participating in liturgical celebrations, audiences, and other events.”
Looking to the future
While appreciating their hard work, the Pope also offered encouragement for future projects. He specifically noted those having to do with the ongoing improvement of technical and logistical services and the care of spaces within the Vatican—particularly those reserved for meetings and prayer with the Pope.
He further explained that the dignity of these areas and the integrity of the structures “find their highest meaning in supporting the devotion of the faithful and the pastoral mission of the Church.”
Specifically, St Peter’s Basilica is a sacred place that needs to be protected as—more than anything else—“a temple of contemplation, recollection, and spiritual wonder.” The square that lies in front of it, which offers an embrace to everyone through its colonnade, “is, as we say, the ‘calling card’ of our welcome to all.”
We are all united
Pope Leo invited the members of the Vatican’s florist’s office and building services to join him, as they complete their daily tasks, in thinking about everyone who comes to the places they care for and to pray for them. He said, “faith and prayer give full meaning to everything we do.”
The Holy Father also acknowledged that their daily work “is certainly a discreet and precious service to the Pope’s apostolic mission.” It is part of the broader work of the Vatican’s Governorate and of the Directorate for Infrastructure and Services—which he commended for their attentive oversight of the many tasks entrusted to them in Vatican City State.
“Each of us, in our own role—especially in times of trial—should remember that we are members of a single body”, he stressed. Our purpose is therefore to testify to the Gospel “according to the command of the Lord, the Good Shepherd and Head of the Church.” – Vatican News
