During a recent pilgrimage to Italy, Sept. 25-Oct. 3, Bishop Robert J. McClory had the honor of meeting Pope Leo XIV, which he called a "blessed and unforgettable experience."
Bishop McClory described the Holy Father as, "very kind and gracious. He looked me right in the eye the whole time.” Bishop McClory said, “I bring prayers, greetings and love from the Diocese of Gary,” adding that the faithful love him and pray for him. The pope replied with gratitude and asked to “keep the prayers coming.’”
The bishop told Pope Leo that he had recently celebrated Mass with the retired Augustinians in the diocese, to which the pope replied, “Yes, in Crown Point!”
Bishop McClory shared that the group of 40 diocesan pilgrims who accompanied him to St. Peter square for the Wednesday Audience were right next to Pope Leo as the popemobile made the drive through the audience. “It was a morning of great joy for all of us,” remarked the bishop. “I was moved by his invitation in the general audience in St. Peter’s square to pray the Rosary especially during the month of October.”
Editors Note: Visit https://dcgary.org/NWIC again soon for the complete story highlighting the diocesan pilgrimage to Italy.
