Pope Meets with Franciscans from around the World

during the International Chapter of Mats

The Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor,

Brother José Rodrígez Carballo meets Pope Benedict XVI

On April 18th, 2009 - the last day of the Chapter of Mats - 2000 Franciscans from around the world met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence outside of Rome. The Chapter of Mats brought together friars from the First Order as well as the Third Order Regular. Together they celebrated the 800th anniversary since Pope Innocent III approved the first rule of Franciscan life.

For centuries now Franciscans have been caring for the sick and the poor, providing pastoral care and running a multitude of other missions around the world all while living in communities and seeing God in the world around them. By meeting with the Franciscans, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged their role in the Catholic Church. In his address he reflected on their history and looked forward to a future spent on rebuilding the Church.

Pope Benedict XVI and on the right Friar Marco Tasca,

Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual