The “blessing” of vinyl passion: Pope Francis’ surprise visit to the record store in Rome – Showbiz

This was a new “escape” for the Catholic leader, without prior notice, as he had done on other occasions, to visit the Stereosound store, early on a Tuesday night, a few steps away from the famous Agrippa Pantheon.

Tiziana Esposito, the owner’s daughter, admitted to AFP: “It was a quick, massive, wonderful and wonderful human visit. I have no other words.”

“He wanted to come visit us. It was a privilege to choose us. It’s a wonderful thing that doesn’t usually happen,” he added.

Spanish journalist Javier Martinez Brual, a reporter for the Rome Reports news agency, who was nearby, took pictures of the Pope leaving the store, which led to the news being spread around the world.

The unexpected departure of the Argentine pope, who admitted he struggled with being unable to walk the streets like everyone else, was always for very personal reasons.

In 2015, he went to an optician on Via del Babuino, central Rome, to have his eyeglass frames changed. In 2016, he went to the orthopedic store Fisioitop, not far from the Vatican, to buy new shoes.

love for vinyl

On this occasion, Francisco wanted to fulfill his promise made after his election, indirectly, to honor a token store and sector plagued by piracy, the Internet and massive downloads which, though, survives, with many-second-hand vinyl records, almost hidden among restaurants and boutiques Tourist souvenirs.

“The disco is a zone for lovers, and it has always been,” said Esposito, who works with her husband, Danilo Genio, and mother, Letizia Justra, who opened the establishment in 1971.

“The Pope is also a fan of the great tango. […] “He’s such a simple and special person,” Tiziana said.

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Friendship with the owners was born before he was named pope in 2013, as the Catholic leader used to reside in a religious home near the Pantheon and liked to buy classical music recordings at Stereosound.

The Pope, who spent about 20 minutes in the store, bought some records of classical music.

“He came when he was a bishop, archbishop, and cardinal to buy classical music, for himself or to present to someone. He is a lover of music, opera, and sounds. [o compositor alemão Richard] Wagner, that’s known,” Esposito explained.

We give you a ‘box of tablets,’ said the shopkeeper, but without detailing its contents.