Pope admonishes Gypsies to fix public image

The event was part of an worldwide pilgrimage of Roma and Traveller communities, which attracted up to 7,000 people, among them a few 400 Irish Travellers.

Last week Pope Francis sent a letter of condolence to read at the funerals of the 10 fire victims in Bray and Dublin.

Blind teenager Ursula, born and raised in a Roma camp in the Italian capital, quivered with excitement as she described her encounter with Francis, who she said stroked her face as he blessed her.

And the Pope held up the example of the Blessed Zeffirino Giménez Malla as a model of life and religiosity.

During the audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, musicians played traditional songs that also reflected the various influences of the native cultures of the lands they live in like, Spain, Ireland and Eastern Europe.

It was to mark the 50 anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s visit to a Romani camp in Romania – the first time a Pontiff made such a gesture.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has called on Gypsies to “turn the page” and give life to a new chapter in the history of the traditionally nomadic people.

“The time has come to eradicate centuries-old prejudices, preconceptions and mutual mistrust that are often at the root of discrimination, racism and xenophobia”, he said to groups largely from Spain, France and Romania.

They have joined thousands of pilgrims from other countries.

Five members of two families were killed when a blaze broke out at a Carrickmines halting site in the early hours of October 10.

She said: “And we hope the Irish Government listens to the Pope’s words”.