Roberto Benigni Steals the Show at World Children's Day in the Vatican
Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni captured the heart of the audience, including Pope Francis, with a humorous half-hour monologue during the closing mass of the first World Children's Day at the Vatican. Known for his triple Oscar win for 'Life is Beautiful' in 1999, Benigni brought a touch of lightness to the religious ceremony. The actor cleverly interspersed humor with heartfelt advice, greeting everyone from children to the Pope himself.
During his monologue, Benigni pretended to forget about the Pope, only to turn and express his desire to 'kiss and dance a tango' with the pontiff, much to the amusement of the audience. He joked about wanting to kiss the Pope despite being warned by the Swiss guards against touching him: 'A kiss, a kiss I can give, what good are kisses if you can't give them?' To everyone's delight, he ended up kissing the Pope on both cheeks.
Pope’s Inclusive and Interactive Ceremony
Pope Francis set a modern tone by leading an interactive mass for children, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and peace. Instead of delivering a lengthy homily, he engaged the children in the crowd with questions and dialogue, making his teachings more accessible. 'Do not forget this: Jesus forgives everything and always forgives,' he reminded them, highlighting the Trinity and the Church’s core beliefs. The Pope urged the children to pray for their parents, grandparents, the sick, and especially for peace to end wars.
In another heartwarming gesture, the Pope dedicated the Angelus prayer to the children, insisting they greet and appreciate their grandparents, drawing applause when actor Lino Banfi, representing grandparents, presented the Bread and Wine during the offertory.
On a lighter note, Benigni encouraged the children to 'take charge of your life and make a masterpiece of it', emphasizing their potential to build a better world. He enthused, 'Maybe among you is the new Michelangelo, the new Galileo, or even the first female pope.' The event saw over 50,000 faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, including notable figures like the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had a brief meeting with the Pope before the mass.
- Roberto Benigni’s playful and heartfelt monologue added a unique element to the first World Children's Day celebration. His blend of humor and wisdom resonated with the audience, making the event memorable.
- The event underscores Pope Francis' dedication to involving younger generations in the Church, fostering an environment where faith is taught through interaction and engagement rather than formal sermons.
- The presence of global leaders and public figures like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and actor Lino Banfi highlights the significance of the event and the universal call for **peace** and harmony, reflecting Pope Francis’ inclusive vision for the Church.
