As part of the Holy Year, the Embassy for the Roma People of the Sovereign Order of Malta organized a jubilee pilgrimage for Sinti and Roma from Romania, Albania, and Ukraine. This pilgrimage took place within the framework of the major international pilgrimage of Roma, Sinti, and Camminanti during the Holy Year, which brought together around 4,000 pilgrims from over 70 countries. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development organized the event in collaboration with the “Migrantes” Foundation of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, the Sant’Egidio Community, the Vicariate of the Diocese of Rome, and the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta for the Roma People.

The pilgrimage group was accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt, his wife Barbara Salm-Reifferscheidt, and their daughter Franziska Salm-Reifferscheidt. Stephanie Lanzdorf was responsible for organization and coordination, while Udo Thianich-Schwamberger welcomed the group at the Vatican on Saturday. Also on the pilgrimage were Roberto Musneci, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Romania, and his wife Marialaura Musneci. Anka Simu from the Romanian Order of Malta Relief Service accompanied the children’s group, while György and Andras Schumicky of the Hungarian Malteser Relief Service supported the pilgrims from Ukraine.

Upon arrival in Rome, the participants settled into their accommodations and set out to explore the Eternal City. The evening concluded in cheerful fellowship with music and singing – offering a first glimpse of the joy and community spirit that would define this pilgrimage.

On Saturday, the highlight of the pilgrimage took place: an audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Early in the morning, the group made its way to the Vatican. Under the biblical theme, “Hope is on the journey – My father and mother were wandering Arameans” (cf. Deut 26:5), a moving encounter with the Holy Father took place on October 18 in the Paul VI Audience Hall. The event was moderated by Maris Milanese (TV2000). Speakers included Eva Rizzin, Scientific Director of the National Observatory against Anti-Gypsyism in Verona, and Amadeus Giordan Halilovic, a student at John Cabot University in Rome. Artists from Italy, Romania, France, Spain, and Slovenia contributed to a vibrant musical program.

Among those present were Fabio Cardinal Baggio, Undersecretary of the Dicastery, Archbishop Gian Carlo Perego, President of the “Migrantes” Foundation, as well as Ambassadors Dr. Franz Salm-Reifferscheidt and Ambassador Roberto Musneci of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the pilgrims with words of encouragement and appreciation, emphasizing the importance of encounter, education, and faith as keys to peaceful coexistence. After the audience with the Holy Father, we gathered for a picnic in the Vatican, followed by a shared crossing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. We prayed at the tomb of Saint Peter and before the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament. With gratitude, we recalled what has been achieved in recent years for the Roma people.

To conclude this moving morning, everyone enjoyed ice cream at the historic Caffè San Pietro on Via della Conciliazione. This was a special moment, especially for the children, who had experienced the day with patience, joy, and great enthusiasm.

On Sunday, the Austrian members of the group celebrated Holy Mass at the Austrian National Church, Santa Maria dell’Anima. After a shared coffee in the city, the pilgrims began their journey home, filled with gratitude, joy, and lasting impressions.

“The pilgrimage was not only a spiritual experience, but also a symbol of unity and hope. The music and singing of the children brought warmth and joy to every encounter and reminded us that the language of the heart often speaks louder than many words,” said Ambassador Dr. Franz Salm.

With this pilgrimage, the Maltesers sent a strong signal for the dignity, integration, and spiritual accompaniment of Roma and Sinti in Europe – in the spirit of the Holy Year and in service to humanity.