Representing the entire Shalom Community, Moysés Azevedo met personally with Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by Fr. Saulo Dantas, the Community’s General Assistant.
This encounter took place during the kiss‑hands inside St. Peter’s Basilica before the Pentecost Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on June 8.
“As a Community, I expressed our filial love and obedience to the Pope” 1i5j31
For our founder, both the Vigil and the Solemnity of Pentecost were deeply moving moments, a grace for the whole Community.
Moysés’s personal greeting with the Holy Father took place during the kiss‑hands before the Pentecost Mass. Also present were Fr. Saulo and the of the Rome mission who served at the pre‑vigil: Fr. Víctor Hernández, Fabiola Inzunza (Community of Life), and Wallace Freitas (Community of Covenant).
“The Pope’s welcome was very beautiful. The Holy Father radiates kindness and affection in his gaze. When I approached, he recognized me because we had met before when he was a Cardinal. He ed me, and that is beautiful. He recognized the Community. I expressed our filial love and obedience as a Community, telling him that he can rely on us unconditionally,” stated our founder.
“It was very significant to have the opportunity, as a Community, to serve in the events scheduled for the Pentecost pre‑vigil. It was very moving to see our brothers leading the pre‑vigil and, through the charism God gave us, encouraging prayer and participation from everyone in St. Peter’s Square,” he emphasized.
Moysés also highlights the personal encounter of Fr. Karlian Vale and Fr. Silvio Scopel, International Assistant:
“After the Vigil, Fr. Karlian was able to meet the Holy Father alongside Fr. Silvio; both received his warmth and affection. The Pope even embraced Fr. Karlian, and in that embrace the entire Community felt embraced. It is truly beautiful to experience the Pope’s affection.”
Renewing our gift of life 1s2tn
For Fr. Saulo Dantas, making pilgrimage to Rome and meeting the Holy Father was an opportunity to renew the offering of life of every Community member:
“I shook the Pope’s hand and thanked him for his opening words: ‘Peace be with you!’ As a Community, each time we come to Rome we seek to renew our life‑offering at the feet of Peter for all humanity.”
