Welcome aboard the ITA Airways flight with none other than Pope Francis! As he embarks on an apostolic visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, the journalists on board are in for a treat.
Written by the fabulous Linda Bordoni, who is right there on the papal flight, the anticipation is tangible as the journey unfolds.
Picture this: 85 journalists, waiting in the press section at the back of the plane, catching up with old friends and colleagues. Suddenly, a crack in the curtains signals the arrival of the Pope. The energy shifts as Pope Francis graciously greets each and every journalist, making his way down the aisle with a smile that lights up the room.
Salvatore Scolozzi, the Pope’s dedicated aide, ensures that everyone is introduced and remembered, further enhancing the personal touch of the encounter.
Gifts are exchanged, stories are shared, and prayers are offered. Each interaction a testament to the Pope’s message of compassion and understanding. One particular gift, a t-shirt of a young boy tragically killed, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of prejudice and hate speech.
As the journey continues, the Pope’s gratitude is palpable for the journalists who are the voice of those often forgotten or silenced. Their stories, the tales of the marginalized and persecuted, echo the mission of Jesus himself.
The papal flight to Jakarta
