The majestic Training Ship ARC Gloria arrived at the Italian port of Civitavecchia and as part of the protocol activities, a Colombian delegation met with Pope Francis, at the Vatican. The delegation was headed by the Chief of Staff for Force Support of the Colombian Navy, Vice Admiral Harry Ernesto Reyna Niño.
The 129 Sailors from Colombia participated in a private audience in the Vatican City and received the blessing of the Supreme Pontiff, where they had a brief dialogue with the Holy Father who told some of his anecdotes related to Colombia.
In his speech, Pope Francis asked to pray to the Lord to increase faith and for the peace and reconciliation of all Colombians, inviting the crew to set sail with hope, sail with strength and dock with joy in every port, establishing bonds of partnership with other nations.
During the meeting, the delegation proudly carried a Colombian flag and presented Pope Francis with a painting with the image of the ARC Gloria. "It is an unforgettable experience, I received the blessing very happy and very proud to be here with the National Flag,” said Midshipwoman Katherine Paulette Mariño Tovar student of the Naval Cadet School Almirante Padilla.”
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia
