Sir David Amess MP travelled to Vatican City last week to meet his Holiness Pope Francis during the General Audience on Wednesday, 4 February 2015.
During his visit, Sir David also met with Professor Rocco Buttiglione MP at the Italian Parliament. His other meetings included H.E. Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, Mary Nolan of L’Osservatore Romano, and Edward Pentin of the Catholic Herald. All of Sir David’s meetings were organised with the kind support of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute (www.dignitatishumanae.com).
Following his visit, Sir David commented: “I was absolutely delighted to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. He clearly is a quite extraordinary human being who has a gift somewhat similar to John Paul II of being a great communicator. I observed at first hand his rapport with people of all kinds, particularly the disabled and children. I now very much understand why he is so very popular.
“This is a difficult time for religious communities generally. Given his supreme and unique importance as the Head of the Catholic Church, we are truly blessed to have Pope Francis as our leader. I extended warm wishes from Southend residents and expressed my hope that he will visit the United Kingdom. He rather touchingly asked me to pray for him.”
