May – June 2012 I Volume 01 No. 03

Words of the President ofthe Betania Foundation

On Monday, June 4, my son-in-law, Carlos Marrero, and I traveled to the USA to attend the wake and funeral of Reverend Monsignor Vincent Puma, a great friend of my wife, the Servant of God Maria Esperanza and of my family. The ceremony was held on Wednesday

at the Church of Saint Vincent at 10:45 am in Madison, the town where Monsignor was born on December 12, 1926, four days after I was born.

We had a good relationship with Monsignor Puma; this is why I felt I had to go to pay my last respects to him, since he was always helpful and kind to Maria Esperanza when she was sick.

A Weekend with the Apostle of Rome, Philip Neri

Be good if you can! This was the phrase Saint Philip Neri kept repeating to his group of youth. On May 19th and 20th the Youth Department and then the Betania Foundation respectively laughed and cried with the life of Saint Philip, also called the Saint of Joy and the Apostle of Rome.

The saint who chose paradise instead of being appointed cardinal was born in Florence in 1515 and lived more than sixty years in Rome, where he died in 1595. During his time in Rome, Saint Philip decided to gather together a group of young people with kindness and humor, bringing them closer to the liturgy and letting them have fun by singing and playing. In 1575 the group was declared the Congregation of the Oratory by Pope Gregory XIII.

The film called Preferisco Il Paradiso or “I Prefer Paradise” by director Giacomo Campiotti revealed the joy and humility with which this saint faced all problems. The movie begins with Philip already a priest, meeting Saint Ignatius of Loyola who sends him as a missionary to India, but everything changes when he realizes that his mission was in Rome, turning a group of wayward youth into followers of the Lord.

During the month of May, the Betania Foundation was involved in many activities, both in conducting evangelization talks and welcoming the pilgrims who go to the Sanctuary of Betania, without neglecting the spiritual formation of the members of the foundation and their participation in liturgical events, like the feast of Pentecost.

The Betania Foundation Involved in Many Activities

Excerpt of a message of our Lady given to Mrs. Maria Esperanza de Bianchini

Little daughter, little children, henceforth you should cover

yourselves with divine spirituality for this shall help you, as a source of purity, to lead an

exemplary life, accomplishing good deeds dedicated to the Lord . . . since all harvest done in his

name is light, truth and love!Saint Joseph the Patriarch also spoke, saying, ¨Together with

Jesus and Mary I will keep this source of love, so this people

may be saved, because the family will be the hope of a new world!

March 25, 197711:00 A.M.

PAGE 02 The apparition of the Virgin on March 25, 1976 along with the apparitions in 1984, at Betania were declared as authentic, of supernatural character, and of divine origin by His Excellency Bishop Pio Bello Ricardo in his Pastoral Letter published on November 21, 1987.

Indeed, there were three talks that took place in the Schools of “Los Campitos” and “Los Arcos”, in addition to the pastoral talks that are held every second Thursday of each month since October, 2004 at the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmen, in Lomas de La Lagunita, where one of the messages of our Lady received by Mrs. Maria Esperanza that were

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The Newsletter of the Betania

Foundation

3rd Apparition

I remember he called me with great affection his “ugly and bald brother”. He was a man who did much charity and this was reflected in the attendance of so many people at his funeral, including a group of more than sixty priests.

During Mass the Bishop of the Diocese spoke beautifully of him and afterwards John Crimi did so too. We prayed for God to forgive his sins so he could receive the eternal reward. At the end of the funeral we went to a restaurant, because it is a custom there that after an event everyone goes to eat. The restaurant was at

02

NEWS BETANIA – VENEZUELA

The Betania Foundation Involved in Many Activities

www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org

The Apostle of Rome continually gives examples of how to behave as a true child of God. Young people and adults wept when they realized that human beings’ joy and salvation are truly found in the little things of life.

Maria Esperanza Bianchini, the granddaughter of the Servant of God, said that the teaching that moved her the most was that of when Saint Philip sent an Italian couple to pluck the feathers of a hen, showing them this way that just as the feathers cannot be gathered again, people’s negative statements about others cannot be retrieved either.

The weekend spent in the company of the Saint of Joy allowed the members of the Betania Foundation to reflect on the importance of how to behave according to the circumstances of life. May 26 was his feast day and this dear saint’s life was celebrated by the Church once again.

A Weekend with the Apostle of Rome, Philip Neri

Words of the President of the Betania Foundation

given to the Diocese of Los Teques are read, and a video of Betania or of the life of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza is shown.

Three pilgrimages of teachers and students from different schools of Caracas and from the laity of different organized parishes from the interior of the country also were received, as was a parish from the coast, Carayaca, and that of the neighboring town of Charallave.

These pilgrimages are becoming more and more frequent. They come in search of the Sanctuary where our Blessed Mother appeared under the title of Mary, Virgin and Mother, Reconciler of all Peoples. They come with joy and enthusiasm to see something new, and with the healthy curiosity and expectation of seeing something heavenly. The Virgin calms and soothes their anxiety welcoming them with open arms, offering them the precious Child she carries in her arms.

After Mass at the Shrine, seeing the grotto of the apparition, and drinking holy water from the waterfall, the pilgrims are accompanied by members of the Betania Foundation to tour around the facilities of the farm and to visit the museum, the sugar mill, the house of Loreto and the gardens. The fragrance of the flowers gives the pilgrims the opportunity to see nature in a different way, filling them with the love and energy that permeates the place. Later on, they enjoy something light to eat and watch a video.

The graces that are shed upon the people are so intense that they leave inundated with gratitude and happiness, with the desire to bring about change in their lives, and to achieve reconciliation with God and their neighbor, following the path of truth and life that is Jesus, our Savior.

the Madison Hotel, the same one we had gone to with Maria Esperanza. I remember we were in that hotel for three weeks before the Twin Towers fell in New York.

On this visit we had the opportunity of participating in meetings at the Communities of Betania X in Williamstown with Father Cadmus Mazzarella, and of Betania XI in Haddon Heights with Father Timothy Byerley; both communities are in New Jersey. The meetings were very nice. I was asked a lot of questions, and the main concern was what was going to happen in the world. I know nothing about what will happen, the only one who knows is God, but I took advantage of the opportunity and gave them some tips my wife, the Servant of God Maria Esperanza, had given us.

On Thursday, in Betania X, when the general meeting ended, all the young people gathered again and we shared for two and a half hours more until 12:00 midnight. On Friday, at Betania XI I told them to prepare themselves; we always have to be prepared, the Lord knows if something will happen or not, He is the only one who knows; I know nothing, but there are certain things that indicate that one must be prepared.

I feel happy because the mission was carried out successfully, and we were able to share with our spiritual family and with my granddaughter, Maria Vanessa Schultz, and her husband and children.

Mass at the funeral service of Monsignor Vincent Puma

Mr. Geo Bianchini in front of the picture of Monsignor Vincent Puma

Pilgrims visiting the Sanctuary of Betania

Praying the rosary at the sugar mill

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Catholics dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Venezuela, as in many other countries, it also is the month when Mother’s Day is celebrated. This year May 13th, the feast day of our Lady of Fatima, was also Mother’s Day. On this occasion the Betania Choir was invited at 12:00 noon to the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for Mass, together with His Excellency Bishop Ovidio Perez Morales.

Mass was dedicated to our Lady of Fatima. This Shrine is located in Portugal; a place where the Virgin appeared to three shepherd children, emphasizing the importance of praying the rosary for the conversion of sinners and of the world. Bishop Ovidio remembered the greatness of the Mother of heaven and spoke of the need of requesting her protection through the holy rosary.

The choir accompanied the celebration with songs dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which made the audience feel in heaven. The mothers of the families belonging to the Betania Foundation participated in this event, and later went to have lunch with their own families.

The family of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza de Bianchini took the opportunity to gather at Mr. Geo Bianchini’s residence, celebrating with delicious lasagna, chicken and salad. Then, they sat together and talked about spiritual matters, ending Mother’s Day by praying the rosary.

Our Lady of Fatima Was the Star of Mother’s Day

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Health Service Day in Betania of the Holy Waters

On Saturday, June 23, 2012 the “Humanitarian Health Service Day” took place in Finca Betania with the purpose of providing free medical care to the disadvantaged people of the area.

In regard to this medical labor, the president of the Betania Foundation, Mr. Geo Bianchini, asserted: “I am happy to be able to be here for this wonderful day. It is just the beginning of a breakthrough in the construction of a hospital to serve all the needy people. This is further evidence of how to apply the concept of charity and love proclaimed by our Lord Jesus Christ. This is our task.”

A group of doctors participated in this activity, scheduled from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; all of them members of the Betania Foundation. The youth of the foundation also collaborated by taking turns to care for and guide the patients to the various services that were offered: pediatrics, internal medicine and ophthalmology. After the patients were examined they received their treatments and were given free medicines.

The Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother

Elssie Behrens showing lens samples during the health service day Residents of the surrounding areas of Betania waiting for their turn Some members of the Betania Foundation and physicians who participated during the health service day

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Let us devote ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to the Heart of Jesus. These are the Hearts that can do much for us. The heart of man on earth is still very hard, only few are generous, humble, and know how to answer to the grace. So, we must pray to them, so we may be completely faithful to the Mother Church . . . .

It is my desire that in your homes you always have a votive light to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; the two generous, compassionate and humble Hearts that fill your hearts with joy, sweetness and

tenderness. Yes, brothers, the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. . . . Love these two Hearts. It is a wonderful title . . . .

I always pray to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, but now you must pray to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in all your necessities. I would like all of you to never miss [Mass] – I know that perhaps you do go – every first Friday for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the first Saturday for the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion to the living Heart of Jesus with the Immaculate Heart of his Mother is so beautiful; it makes you feel in awe of the divine breath of the Lord and of his Mother, at all times overcoming gracefully all setbacks, all sadness, all unpleasant moments that could happen or may have happened . . . .

We must have our children close to us, together forming the great Family of Nazareth in our family, growing up and enkindling the flame in our hearts with the flame of the Heart of Jesus, with the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They are the ones who reign in every home in the world, to reign, to reign in your hearts with Patriarch Saint Joseph . . . .

The Heart of Jesus gives us fortitude, the Heart of Mary grants sweetness, softness, tenderness, so your hearts may always, always be tied to theirs . . . .

Hearts of Jesus and Mary in one Heart, have mercy on us.

(Excerpts of the speeches of the Servant of God between 1993 and 2001)

Reflections of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza on the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Words of the Vice-PostulatorThe Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

Dear Members of the Betania Family,

This month, we are privileged to celebrate a great solemnity of the Church, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29. This liturgical feast honors the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul in Rome in the first century of Christianity. Today, it is celebrated with great festivity in the Eternal City. At night, on June 28, the entire city gathers around the Tiber River near Castel Sant’Angelo for a spectacular fireworks display. The following morning, the Holy Father offers

a beautiful Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, during which he invests the new Archbishops from around the world with the Pallium, a white wool garment with six small crosses worn around the neck that symbolizes the fullness of their Episcopal authority.

This feast day reminds us of the successor of Saint Peter, to whom Maria Esperanza was always so deeply devoted. Today, of course, he is Pope Benedict XVI, one of the great spiritual teachers of our age. Following the example of the Servant of God, let us unite in prayer and sacrifice for our beloved Holy Father as he courageously marches forward carrying the banner of our Lord on behalf of the entire human race. ¡Viva el Papa!

God bless you all,Fr. Tim

CAUSE – MRS. MARIA ESPERANZA

www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org

“You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church” (Mt 16:18)

Icon of Saints Peter and Paul

Pope Benedict XVI

Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Merciful Father, You blessed Maria Esperanza with an abundance of spiritual gifts for the consolation of your people. She served You as wife, mother, and missionary to promote the unity of the family and the reconciliation of all peoples. You enabled her to be the central figure in the manifestations of the Virgin Mary, under the title of Reconciler of all Peoples and Nations, in Betania. Grant us the grace to follow her example of humility, hope, and unconditional love.Through the intercession of your servant, Maria Esperanza, we pray for the healing and reconciliation of our families, and for the fraternal unity of the entire human family.Especially, we beseech You to grant us the favors we now request (mention your intentions here) through the merits and prayers of your servant. Likewise, we humbly implore that she be inscribed in the Church’s catalogue of saints, as a universal model of the beatitudes.We pray all this according to your holy will, cherished by your servant until the end, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

With the ecclesiastical approval of Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, New Jersey,December 4, 2009

For more information or to report a miracle go to: www.mariaesperanza.org and/or www.betania.org.ve

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God bestows upon us his gifts, his seven gifts so they help us in life, increasing our faith, and helping us to share with all our brothers on earth.

All the gifts of the Holy Spirit are beautiful, but I choose the gift of understanding, of piety – that is prayer – and of good counsel, because then you will have them there whenever you need them.

Spiritual Maxims ofMaria Esperanza de Bianchini

PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF MARIA ESPERANZA

www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org

Chronological data on Mrs. Maria Esperanza

• She was taken to the baptismal font on October 26, in 1929 at the Church of Saint Rafael de Barrancas, Monagas State. The sacrament was imparted to her by the Capuchin Father Thomas Gajal. Her godparents were America Falcon and Pedro Jesus Parra. Antonio and Josephine Planchart stood in proxy for the godparents on the day of the Baptism

• At the age of five she experienced her first mystical encounter with Saint Therese of Lisieux

• On the feast of our Lady of Carmel, Maria Esperanza received her First Communion in the Church of Saint Rafael de Barrancas

• On December 24, 1993, she received the sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Ciudad Bolivar from His Excellency Miguel Antonio Mejia, and her godmother was Maria Margarita Heredia de Alvarez

• At the age of twelve the Medrano family moved from Valencia to Caracas. Maria Esperanza became ill with bronchopneumonia or acute pneumonia. She had the first vision of the Virgin under the title of our Lady of the Valley and she was healed. The Virgin told her that she was her Mother, that she had come to soothe her discomfort, and spoke to her about her mission: “Help me save this world that is getting lost.”

The Servant of God Maria Esperanza during her youth

In the chapel of the Betania Sanctuary distributing rosaries (1988)

The Bianchinis with Father Rene Laurentin and Bishop Pio Bello Ricardo (1989)

The Servant of God Maria Esperanza in Betania (1990)

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COMMUNITIES OF BETANIA

www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org

We are presently trying to reach out to the Spanish and Italian groups here on Long Island. They are the two largest ethnic groups on the island. In fact, I feel that the immigration of so many Spanish families, coming from all over the world, once they come to know Maria Esperanza, Servant of God, will feel confident of their move to Long Island.

Their faith is strong, but it could be lost if they simulate into the materialistic life that America offers. I believe they can actually save the country from moving towards a land with no God. They have a strong family life and their youth are a good example of discipline towards their parents.

Maria Esperanza told me in November of 1993 that our group, Our Mother Queen of Peace, has the “key” to keeping the faith alive on Long Island. I did not know what she meant at the time, but today Betania XIII is trying its best to make this observation become a reality.

Fino Giordano

Betania V, Delray Beach, Florida, USA

Betania XIII, Long Island, NewYork, USA

It is an honor to be part of the great family of Betania and to share experiences that help us live better the mission of endless love Mrs. Maria Esperanza bequeathed us; brothers who shielded in faith, are fighting for a better tomorrow with the same ideal of brotherly unity.

Betania V was born because of an invitation made to us by Mr. Geo in 2008, and had its origins with Mrs. Maria Esperanza, who spoke to us about the Betanias that someday would exist around the world. I had the grace of meeting the Servant of God in 1995 on a mission to Peru. My family lived in Caracas, Venezuela, and on July I traveled to Lima and went to all the churches where she spoke. It was an instant attraction toward her soul, which was filled with the love of the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Little by little the peaceful light that she radiated reached the hearts of our entire family.

In 1996 my family moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in 2000 a group with the blessing of the Church, represented by Father Ignatius Racedo, invited Mrs. Maria Esperanza on a “Mission of Love and Reconciliation”. Her visit bore many spiritual fruits. It was then that she told me about gathering people to pray the rosary, telling us that our mission was just beginning. Now that Betania V exists I can understand her words.

In 2002 my family moved back to the United States of America, to Connecticut, there we were able to visit the Bianchini family that was in New Jersey. During these visits we saw in Mrs. Maria Esperanza her heroic virtues in greater depth. Despite her illness – she was unable to walk, she spoke very softly and little – she was transforming the hardest hearts and was filling them with love for God and the Blessed Virgin. Her glance of love touched the fibers of all the souls that she had contact with.

After her death, she continued to bear fruit. The greatest of all is the unity of her family, and many people just by hearing about her life feel a boost of faith. In gratitude we follow her advice, try to improve our relationship with the Lord, strive for the unity of our family, and to spread the devotion and messages of our Lady of Betania. Thus the Community of Betania V was

formed, which has the desire to grow in the love of God and of the Blessed Virgin, united under the glance of our Holy Catholic Church and our Pope, Benedict XVI. All who wish to grow in this love and abide by the bylaws of the Betania Foundation, under the direction of Mr. Geo Bianchini, are welcomed.

Betania V meets once a month in Delray Beach. Young and old come, people who speak Spanish, English, Portuguese and French. Many nationalities with the same spirit. We are blessed to have had members of the Bianchini family, Father Tim Byerley, and some of her spiritual children come who have made us feel the beauty of being part of one family. We are waiting for you with open arms,

Percy, Julie, and the entire Cannon family

Betania Community V in Florida

Members of Betania XIII after a meeting

07www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org

We kindly greet all our brothers; all the Communities of Betania around the world. We are Betania VI, a group of more than twenty families, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Maria Esperanza’s visit together with her family and some members of the Betania Foundation to our country in 2000 paved the way for the formation of our community. Then the group was formalized and we have been meeting since February 2008.

We began our meetings biweekly, but since the year 2011 we began to meet weekly at the request of our members. These meetings have become a very important aspect of our lives. We pray the rosary inserting hymns during the prayer, and then we elaborate on themes of the Catechism. This has made us all feel part of a family, a network of light that helps us walk day by day. The topics are prepared voluntarily and alternating between team members. The youth are mainly responsible for the preparation and conduction of the music.

The frequency of the meetings has helped us strengthen our unity and fraternal bond. We share everything from prayer to our joys and difficulties.

Greetings from Betania VI, Buenos Aires, Argentina

CHURCH

The 95th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin at Fatima in Portugal was celebrated this past May 13th. This event was attended by thousands of faithful who with great fervor raised their prayers in thanksgiving and made their requests to the Virgin.

This devotion was born due to the events that occurred between May 13th and October 13th in 1917, when three Portuguese children witnessed several apparitions of the Mother of God, who appeared under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The shepherds were Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. In her apparitions the Virgin said, “It is necessary to pray the rosary so the war may come to an end. With prayer you can attain peace. When you are suffering say, ‘Oh Jesus, I offer this for your love and the conversion of sinners.’”

This year the ceremonies were presided by His Eminence Gianfranco Cardinal Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, who in his main homily called believers to help the most disadvantaged in these times of crisis.

In recent meetings we have been reading and reflecting on the “VII World Meeting of Families”, which took place in Milan and was attended by Pope Benedict XVI. We found that this material has enriched our meetings and has been of great relevance to our community.

To review many of the thoughts and advice given by Maria Esperanza has been very helpful, she prophesied in many ways what Benedict XVI is telling us all today as part of the Church.

We are very happy to be part of the worldwide Betania family. We feel very blessed to have met Maria Esperanza, her family, and of being part of the Betania Foundation. We hope that with God’s help our small community continues to grow in the way that our dear mamma showed us. We feel very close to all of you. May God, the Father, continue to bless us, united in Jesus and Mary Reconciler of Peoples and Nations.

Mariana and Mike Dover

The Faithful Throughout the World Joyfully Celebrate the95th Anniversary of the Virgin of Fatima

The Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima

Mr. Geo Bianchini visiting in 2009 During the weekly meeting The Community of Betania VI praying the rosary

www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org08

Concerts of the Betania Choir

Place: Cathedral of CaracasDate: July 8, 2012Time: 10:00 a.m.Detail: Episcopal Ordination with His Eminence Jorge Cardinal Urosa

Place: Church of Saint Thomas Apostle, La TrinidadDate: July 14, 2012Details: Graduation Mass for students of 6th and 11th grade of the School Simon Bolivar

Place: School “La Salle La Colina”, Los CaobosDate: July 15, 2012Details: 50th Graduation Anniversary Mass for the 4th Alumni Promotion

Place: Chapel Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lomas de La LagunitaDate: July 16, 2012Detail: Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Place: Church The Holy Family of Nazareth, La TahonaDate: July 28, 2012Time: 11:30 a.m.Detail: Graduation Mass of the Monteavila University

Place: “Cementerio del Este”, CaracasDate: August 7, 2012Detail: 8th Anniversary of the passing of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza de Bianchini

AGENDA

Informative Table

Edition: The Bianchini Family and the Betania FoundationDesign: Kyra Camero and Pedro Jaime BianchiniPhotography: The Bianchini Family andthe Betania Foundation

Trips

Place: Sankt Knud Lavars Hus, Haraldsted, DenmarkDate: July 19-22, 2012Retreat: Coram Christo (In the presence of Christ)Subject: The Divine Mercy of Jesus leads us to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the EucharistDetail: A retreat for the youth

Place: Israel and ItalyDate: September 10-24, 2012Details: Pilgrimage organized by the Betania Foundation departing from Caracas, VenezuelaInformation: Contact Maria Coromoto Bianchini de Marrero and/or Anabella de Bianchini as soon as possible

Research: The Bianchini Family and the Betania FoundationAcknowledgments to: Fr. Timothy ByerleyAdditional information: www.betania.org.ve and/orwww.mariaesperanza.orgSuggestions and/or comments: corom3@gmail.com

CHURCH

ReminderAs part of the declaration of the Year of Faith promulgated by His Holiness Benedict XVI, which starts on October 11, 2012, and ends on November 24, 2013, we invite all our readers to continue to pursue the uplifting reading of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Then we will be following the inspiration the Holy Father desires “to usher the whole Church into a time of particular reflection and rediscovery of faith” (Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei, no. 4).

Events

Place: Finca BetaniaDate: August 02-10, 2012Detail: Pilgrimage from New Jersey directed by Father Cadmus Mazzarella

Place: Finca BetaniaDate: August 03-09, 2012Detail: Pilgrimage from Argentina

Place: Finca BetaniaDate: August 4, 2012Detail: Inauguration of the Cenacle

Place: “Cementerio del Este”, CaracasDate: August 7, 2012Detail: 8th Anniversary of the passing of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza de Bianchini

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome. Italy