In his brief two-minute appearance on the Gemelli Hospital balcony, Pope Francis recognized Carmela Mancuso, holding a bouquet of yellow flowers, and greeted her in front of the crowd.
Newsroom (24/03/2025, Gaudium Press) The emotional moment between Pope Francis and Carmela Mancuso, known as “Carmelina,” occurred when the Pope saw her from the balcony of Gemelli Hospital. Carmela had brought a bouquet of yellow roses, a gesture she had made many times during his hospitalization. This time, her flowers caught the Pope’s eye, and he acknowledged her with a soft voice, saying, “I see here a lady with yellow flowers. She is a good person.”
Carmela’s Emotional Reaction to Pope Francis’ Recognition
Carmela was deeply moved by the Pope’s recognition. She never imagined that her simple gesture of bringing flowers would catch the Holy Father’s attention. “Thank you, thank you to the Lord and to the Holy Father,” Carmela said, overwhelmed by the unexpected acknowledgment. She also wished Pope Francis a swift recovery and hoped to see him well again soon.
A Longstanding Tradition of Bringing Flowers to the Pope
Carmela, a 78-year-old woman from Calabria, has made it a personal tradition to bring flowers to Pope Francis during his General Audiences. For her, it’s more than a gesture—it’s therapeutic. “For me, it’s like therapy,” she shared with the Vatican press. Over the course of Pope Francis’ hospitalization, she traveled to the Gemelli Hospital multiple times, hoping to brighten his day with her bouquet of yellow roses.
The Pope’s Heartwarming Gesture During His Recovery
Despite the challenges of his recent illness, Pope Francis demonstrated his gratitude and affection towards Carmela, greeting her from the balcony of the hospital. In a moment of connection, Pope Francis, with a gesture of open arms, acknowledged Carmela, as he had done during past General Audiences. This heartfelt moment left Carmela in disbelief but filled with joy.
Carmela Mancuso’s story is a beautiful testament to the power of small, thoughtful gestures in a world that sometimes feels disconnected. Her bond with Pope Francis is a reminder of the deep and personal relationships that faith and devotion can foster, even in the most unexpected of places.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
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