Pope Francis meets charity workers in Tbilisi

Pope Francis is enjoying his first visit to Georgia and has met Catholic charity workers in capital Tbilisi, encouraging them for their altruistic work.

The poor and the weak are the flesh of Christ who call upon Christians of every confession, urging them to act without personal interests, following only the prompting of the Holy Spirit,” the Vatican Radio quoted the Pope.

Pope Francis in Tbilisi, Georgia. Photo by the Georgian President's press office.

The meeting took place in the grounds of the Camilliani health clinic in Tbilisi and was attended by its director and the head of Caritas Georgia. Vatican Radio said staff and volunteers working for various Catholic charitable organisations in Georgia as well as patients and medical staff from the Camilliani clinic were also presented to the Pope.

"I greet you warmly and am pleased to meet all of you who are charity workers here in Georgia. Through your care, you express in an eloquent way love of neighbour which is the hallmark of Christ’s disciples,” the Pope told the charity workers.

Your work is a journey of fraternal cooperation among the Christians of this country and the faithful of various rites,” he said.

The Pope encouraged them to pursue this "demanding yet fruitful path”.

Charitable initiatives are the ripe fruit of a Church that serves, offers hope and shows forth God’s mercy. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, your mission is a great one.”

The Pope led Mass at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday morning. Photo by the Georgian President's press office.

Pope Francis arrived in Georgia yesterday afternoon accompanied by a 150-person delegation.

The Pope spent yesterday evening and today meeting local high officials and conducting Mass at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Vake district.

Later this evening he will visit Georgia’s historic capital Mtskheta.

The Pope will depart for Baku, Azerbaijan early tomorrow morning.