John XXIII Students give gift to Pope
Students and teachers from our associated Loreto School, John XXIII College, in Perth have recently presented a gift to Pope Francis at a General Audience.
International News agency Rome Reports published the story, noting that for many of the students, it was their first audience with the Pope.
The students, who are studying Italian, presented the Holy Father with a photograph of a bronze statue of the patron of their college, St John XXIII, at the end of the audience.
The students said that being a Catholic college, they wanted to attend a General Audience with him.
John XXIII Teacher Carmelina Galante Grassi said she believes what Pope Francis says comes from the heart.
“It was really nice, really exciting, down to earth and beautiful.”
“(We just wanted) to say, ‘Yes, we are Catholics on the other side of the world and we really like Pope Francis.’
The students were able to practice their Italian while listening to the Pope during the audience and had a message for him in addition to the gift they brought.
“Viva Francesco, Viva Francesco, Viva Francesco!”