A bust of Ozanam was gifted to the Pontiff

This week Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez was in Rome to present his credentials to Pope Francis in his capacity as President General-elect of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP). The cordial meeting took place yesterday, September 6, in St. Peter’s Square, after the traditional Catechesis during “Wednesday’s Audience”.

When they met, the President-elect said to the Pontiff: “Your Holiness, my name is Juan Manuel, I am the 17^th President General of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, elected last June 13. I humbly give you this image of Frederick Ozanam, in the hope of his forthcoming canonization”.

In response, Pope Francis said: “Oh, I am very happy. Best wishes and blessings. I greet all the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Persevere in the canonization of Ozanam”.

The new President General was accompanied by fellow member, Antonio Gianfico and Sebastián Gramajo, as well as Father Giuseppe Guerra, CM, postulator of Ozanam’s cause for canonization.

Next Saturday, in the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris, Renato Lima will lead the inauguration ceremony of Juan Manuel.

Ecclesiastical authorities and members of the Vincentian Family from various parts of the world have already confirmed their attendance. Ozanam TV will broadcast everything live on Facebook in four languages.

Let us pray for the success of the new administration that will take over the leadership of the International General Council for the period 2023/2029.