The story of a pope, a bishop and a rainstorm in Rome

Bridgeport’s Bishop Frank Caggiano — in Rome for the ad limina visit —posted this on his Twitter feed Saturday. I think it’s a story more people need to know:

Last evening I met Bishop Peter Rosazza, the retired auxiliary bishop from @ArchdioceseHart in the lobby of the hotel where we were staying. He recounted a remarkable story of encountering the Pope earlier that same day, for which he has given me permission to post.

Earlier that day the weather was cold and rainy. Bishop Peter was late in coming down to catch the bus that was reserved to take all the bishops to their congregational visits. As he walked out of the building, staring at the drenching rain, he encountered two things.

The rain created a walking hazard for anyone who needed to navigate the cobblestones of the Vatican. As he looked around, he also immediately found himself standing in front of Pope Francis, who was entering into the back of his car, with his driver about to close the door.

When the Pope saw Bishop Peter, without hesitation he called out to him, warned him of the slippery conditions of the cobblestones and asked him where he needed to go. Bishop Peter replied that the meeting he was supposed to attend was at the Congregation for Education.

The Pope smiled, told him to join him in the car and that he was happy to have Bishop Peter escorted directly to the Congregation in his own car!

Bishop Peter was deeply touched, amazed and grateful for such a kind gesture, offered in an ordinary & hidden way. It’s in witnessing such kindness by the Vicar of Christ that we all get a better glimpse of the man who was chosen to lead the Church in these difficult times.

Pray for the Holy Father and the bishops who shepherd us.