The security officer who accompanied the Pope told the officials that as Francis was leaving the Vatican's Department for Health and Welfare after a visit to the dentist, he said that he had the idea "to pass by the Commission for Latin America" before returning to Santa Marta.
When the security officer recalled how when he told Pope the visit would be "very complicated," Francis simply replied by calmly saying, "I am the Pope; don't worry, we are in God's hands."
The Swiss Guards standing watch at the Saint Anne's Gate entrance to the Vatican made "a solemn and half shocked salute" as they saw the Pope drive away, the officer said, jesting with the commission that it was "the first such mischief" Pope Francis had done.
After the private conversation between Francis and Carriquiry ended, the Pope accepted the commission's invitation for coffee, greeting each member personally.
The commission's article recounts how although the conversation was brief, it was "pleasant and enjoyable," and that in addition to sharing some stories and jokes, Francis demonstrated an "impressive memory" when he met officials whom he had greeted on previous occasions.
After a leisurely visit, the commission members took some photos with Pope Francis before accompanying him to the door.
The commission in their article stressed that the visit was completely casual and spontaneous, and was not part of the Pope's scheduled visits to the different departments and entities of the Roman Curia.
Pope Francis has so far made several rounds in his visits to the curial offices, but has yet to make his official visit to the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
For that, the commission said, "we are still waiting."
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.