Pope Francis is receiving prayers and support from friends in Rome as he battles double pneumonia. The pope has maintained close relationships with locals during his time as the head of the Catholic Church, including an optician who has been a frequent customer before becoming pope.
Alessandro Spiezia, the optician on Via del Babuino near Piazza del Popolo, had Pope Francis in for glasses several times since he became pope in 2013. The Argentine leader’s visits often drew large crowds of tourists and locals alike.
Francis also has a sweet tooth, and his favorite ice cream shop owner, Sebastian Padrón, recently received messages from the pope wishing him well after being hospitalized. Padrón had created a unique dulce de leche ice cream flavor that became Francis’ favorite.
Additionally, a Vatican-area tailor, Raniero Mancinelli, is following news of Pope Francis’ hospitalization and has expressed his support for the pontiff’s recovery. Mancinelli had previously sold lavish crosses to cardinals and bishops before adopting simpler designs in line with the pope’s austere style.
The pope’s humility and simplicity have earned him a reputation as a leader who values authenticity and down-to-earth connections.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/pope-friends-gelato-pneumonia-rome-vatican-be705fbc5ed6de54fcb1053fa082aa74