Pope Francis wishes hope and peace for Romani families in Italy

Speaking on Sunday 14 December during a pastoral visit to the parish of Saint Joseph in the Aurelia quarter of Rome, Pope Francis met with children, with the families of children baptized this year, with the ill, with Romani people and with youth. The Pope received the faithful in the confessional, where he administered the sacrament of reconciliation.

News server RádioVaticana.cz. reports that the Pope began Holy Mass after hearing confessions. He also met with approximately 40 Romani people living in a nearby camp who are in contact with the parish.

The Pope spoke with the Roma about hope and wished their families peace. "May there always be joy, peace and work in your families. Jesus' joy and Jesus' peace so you can continue on your way. Don't lose hope because of difficulties," the Pope urged the Roma, according to RádioVaticana.cz.

"The church is with you. The church will always welcome you, especially this parish," news server Catholicculture.org reported the Pope told the Roma.

One of the biggest Romani populations outisde of Romania lives in Italy, and their coexistence with the majority population involves conflicts. Romani people in Italy have worse access to education and health care and are often the target of violent attacks.