Freedom is full of respect. Meetings with Pope Francis

Maric Veriza – Vatican City

“I had the blessing to find the Pope personally with the last time after returning to the home of Santa Marta. It was pleasure to see him more in his shape and hearing:” André, you have a lot of work. I answered: “The Holy Father, not as much as you are.”

A few words and smile

Pope Francis met for the first time during a municipal hall in 2001, when he received the future Pope, then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Karama Cardinal. Father Ferrada and then studied in Rome. He stated that what caught the attention of the card’s personality. Bergolio was the fact that, compared to the other Cardinals who received the tails of the long guests for courtesy visits, accompanied by a few people. At that time, Argentina was going through a very serious economic and social crisis. “I remember his kindness magic: a few words and a smile.”.

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Thanks to one of the priests who collaborated with the card. Bergoglio appeared in the formulation of the Aparecida Document (Summit Document for the General Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean Episcopal in Brazil) in 2007, began to marvel at its episcopal work, especially for its ability to synthesize between the chosen traditions and openness to the new; Between Praxis and ideas; Union between popular piety and human promotion. “I think he is in the Aparecida document, you can undoubtedly find some of the effects of the ecclesiastical idea and practice that he promoted in his Episcopal Secretary in Buenos Aires,” said Bishop Ferrada.

Peace that continues until today

In February 2018, Father Verrada began working at Dicasterio for clerics. This work was allowed to directly call Pope Francis, but very significantly. The big surprise arrived on August 4, 2021, when he received during a visit to the papal floor (first, by the way) the proposal to take over the Dicastery Secretariat. To this, episcopal coordination was included. He remembers the introduction: “It was a conversation between the father and the son. I can tell him my fears, and that they came out of my heart. “I immediately told him that I accepted the spirit of peace that continues to this day.”

Parents of the Deputy Christ

The Chilean priest admitted that he recalled all the long time before the meetings and conversations with the Pope, during which he was not the main issue, but his life and ministry were directed. “These three meetings were distinguished by my life with the parenting of the priest who was embodied by Pope Francis. I think his dialect and his position on deep listening, as well as his welcome, which was in my friendly state, allowed me to open it in front of him with confidence.