Pope Francis pays silent visit to former Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau
29 July 2016 2:30 PM IST29 July 2016 2:30 PM IST
He has repeatedly denounced those committing crimes in the name of religion, after Europe suffered a string of deadly jihadist attacks.
Pope Francis on Friday walked alone through the notorious wrought-iron \"Arbeit Macht Frei\" gate at Auschwitz-Birkenau, beginning a historic visit to the former Nazi death camp.- Among the survivors he met were Helena Dunicz Niwinska, a 101-year-old woman who played the violin in the Auschwitz orchestra, as well as survivors who worked at the camp hospital or who were there as children.
- His head bowed, the pope prayed in silent contemplation before meeting Holocaust survivors -- some of whom he tenderly kissed -- in front of the death wall where the Nazis summarily executed thousands of people by firing squad.
- The 79-year-old, Pope Francis quickly got back to his feet, without any injury.
- The Argentine pontiff stumbled, then fell down out of view before being helped to his feet by altar servers on Thursday.
- Earlier, Pope Francis participated in the World Youth Days as people greet him when he rides in his pope-mobile.
- The visit falls on the 75th anniversary of the day Kolbe was condemned to death.
- Francis lit a candle in front of the death wall, bowing his head in prayer before visiting the cell of Polish priest and saint Maximilian Kolbe who died at Auschwitz after taking the place of a condemned man.
Pope Francis on Friday walked alone through the notorious wrought-iron \"Arbeit Macht Frei\" gate at Auschwitz-Birkenau, beginning a historic visit to the former Nazi death camp.
He has repeatedly denounced those committing crimes in the name of religion, after Europe suffered a string of deadly jihadist attacks.
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