VATICAN CITY — So far, Pope Francis has done impromptu interviews with journalists on a plane, in written correspondence and at his Vatican residence.
Now he’s done his first “red carpet” interview — responding to a TV reporter who squeezed through the throng and shouted a question over the cheering crowds.
Screen-grab from Vatican television (CTV) coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi.
It happened in Assisi when the pope was greeting people gathered outside the Cathedral of San Rufino. However, instead of an actual red carpet, he walked along a colorful carpet made of flowers.
The clip, which aired last night on a political talk show, goes like this:
The Italian TV reporter asks:
“Your Holiness, is there hope for Italy?”
The pope approaches the reporter and replies:
“There is always hope because the Lord gives us hope, the Lord gives us the strength to go on.”
Riding his wave of good luck, the reporter continues:
“What do we have to do in order to have hope?”
The pope says:
“Well, look for it, and the Lord will inspire you!” [gives a thumbs up]
To see the clip, find it here.
CNS Blog 