Heaven can wait, not the call for the pope

Maybe heaven is waiting, the pope doesn’t have a phone call. Away from the protocol, Pope Francis picked up a cellphone provided by an aide while standing on the central podium in Vatican Hall during his weekly public visit on Wednesdays.

Francisco, who gave the blessing, spoke animatedly for a few minutes with those on the other end of the line.

The Pope gestured with one hand. He seemed to be explaining something to someone, not stopping to talk.

He moved his right hand twice as if signing something.

The Vatican did not immediately respond to a question as to why the pope received the invitation.

After the blessing, the pope usually joins the crowd and greets some with affection. But, departing from the usual, Francisco abruptly changed direction and was talking to another participant and instead of descending the steps of the stage to greet the faithful, he walked towards the closed exit door of the stage.

The aide, then the pope, gestured for the people to wait. The maid opened the door and the pope left the podium. After a few minutes, Francisco came back down the marble steps to shake hands or mix with people who wanted to take a selfie with him.