In the controlled atmosphere of the papal plane, a Venezuelan achieved something unusual.
Lola GomezVenezuelan-American photographer and network strategist for Catholic News Serviceturned a meeting with him Pope Leo XIV in an instant of closeness that broke, for a few minutes, the diplomatic rigidity of the Vatican.
That day would begin an apostolic journey to Africa, which includes 11 cities in just 10 days; one of the most demanding tours for the Holy See in recent years.
In the midst of the diplomatic tensions that marked the week’s agenda, Gómez opted for a different path: the personal connection through symbols of national identity.
During the flight, the photographer shared with the pontiff the news of Venezuela’s victory in the World Baseball Classic.
At the mention of the national team’s victory, the Pope Leo XIV He reacted with a smile and a “well done,” recognizing the importance of the achievement.
To seal the moment, Gómez gave the holy father a kit full of emblematic trinkets of the country: Susy, Cocosette, Samba and Toronto.
This selection, according to herself through her social networks, is an emotional bridge with which the communicator sought to soften the weight of an agenda marked by high politics and media demands.
Who is Lola Gomez?
This meeting is not an isolated event in Gómez’s career.
Aware of the pontiff’s sports hobby, the photographer maintains a courteous relationship with those around the Vatican.
On previous occasions, he had already given symbolic gifts, reinforcing the idea that, behind the papal investiture, interest in human and everyday stories persists.
Lola Gómez’s work on this tour not only documents faith and official acts, but also takes the public behind the scenes of an apostolic journey.
It could be said that it is the gaze of a professional who understands that, even in the corridors of global power, the smallest detailsa Venezuelan candy or a baseball score, are what end up humanizing the story.
