The Barone family from left, Giuseppe, Sofia and Maria stand in front of St. Peter Basilica during their October visit to Rome. Courtesy photo
Giuseppe (Joe) Barone plans to remember Oct. 29 “for the rest of [his] life.”
A parishioner of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, Barone – along with his wife Maria, daughter Sofia, and several others – were given the opportunity to attend a private audience with Pope Leo XIV while visiting Rome.
The group traveled to the Eternal City on behalf of L’Associazione Culturale Italiana di New York (ACINY), a nonprofit organization that seeks to incorporate Italian heritage and culture into local communities.
Barone explained that the trip was presented to the organization as thanks for their achievements in “building community, honoring faith, and preserving our shared cultural identity.”
“We approached it not as an honor to be claimed, but as a grace to be received – humbly, quietly, and with deep gratitude,” he added.
Following the Holy Father’s Wednesday General Audience, the group gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica to await the arrival of the Pope. Although the meeting had been scheduled in advance, no one knew exactly what it would entail.
However, “when we were welcomed forward and realized that we would be receiving his blessing face-to-face, it was overwhelming in a very quiet and holy way,” Barone said.
Upon approaching the Holy Father, Barone remarked that there was a “deep stillness” in the air. He described Pope Leo XIV as someone who “carries a gentle and humble spirit.”
Giuseppe Barone, greets the Pope with a handshake while his daughter, Sophia, looks on. Courtesy photo
“He does not need to speak loudly to be heard,” he said. “His presence itself is peaceful and comforting.”
After blessing the group, the Pope spoke to them for a few moments about “remaining faithful in the small, daily acts of love and patience,” Barone stated.
“[He told us that] God is close to us always, especially in the ordinary,” said Barone. “That message touched us deeply because it is something we can live every day, not just in Rome.”
The group then presented the Holy Father with a chalice, a gift from the organization itself. Attendee Marino Bartoletti gave the Pope a copy of a book he had written – La Storia del Calcio Azzurro in 50 Ritratti (The History of Italian Football in 50 Stories).
On behalf of his companions, Barone expressed immense gratitude for the experience.
“The encounter served as a moment of encouragement and blessing,” he said, “a reminder to continue the mission of nurturing community, supporting families and living the Gospel in everyday life.”