VATICAN CITY – “On International Women’s Day, I think of all women: I thank them for their commitment to building a more humane society, through their ability to grasp reality with a creative gaze and a tender heart. This is only a privilege of women. A special blessing for all the women present in the square”. 

This is the message addressed today to all women during the usual Wednesday General Audience by Pope Francis, who then spoked about the themes of equal opportunities, equality and the tragedy of the war in Ukraine: “We must not forget our brothers and sisters in Ukraine”, he said in front of more than 10,000 people present at the public hearing, including a delegation of young Ukrainians.

Also present were Avi Benlolo, founder and president of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI), a Canadian organization that promotes human rights and peace, and Danny Montesano, who sits on the organization’s board of directors. Together with Danny – who is also a collaborator of the Italian daily newspaper Corriere Canadese – the editor of the newspaper, Joe Volpe was also present.

After the Pope’s public audience, whose message was summarized in the languages ​​of the communities present (French, English, German, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese and Polish), Benlolo and Montesano had a direct meeting with the Pope, thanks to the collaboration by Don Francesco Armenti and Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza.

Danny was particularly moved – as seen in the photo at the top of the article, taken by the Vatican News staff, also broadcasted by Rai International in the report aired today. By chance, several groups from Basilicata and, in particular, from the province where Danny Montesano is originally from were also present at the audience. In Canada, Danny is an established and esteemed entrepreneur, founder and owner of Lido Construction.

In the two images below, the Pope during the public audience (photo Corriere Canadese)