Pope saddened by death of Casa Santa Marta family member

Pope Francis spoke yesterday of his sadness at the death of one of the workers at Casa Santa Marta. The Holy Father said the woman, who was called Elvira, had been sick for some time. He was speaking at the end of his first Jubilee audience during this Year of Mercy in St Peter's Square and he asked the pilgrims present to pray a Hail Mary for the woman and her family.

Casa Santa Marta is a big house, the Pope said, where about 40 priests, and some bishops who are working in the Curia live. There are also, he added, guests who stay, such as cardinals, bishops and lay people who come to Rome for meetings.

Elvira was one of a group of men and women, who work at the residence cleaning and working in the kitchen and dining room.

Pope Francis said these people were not just employees, they formed part of a family in the house.

Source: Vatican Radio