"This is also mercy: to plant beauty and joy in a world at times somber and sad," he said, and encouraged the performers to "always be welcoming toward the smallest and neediest, to offer words and gestures of consolation to whoever is closed in on themselves."
Since traveling makes it hard to be a stable part of a parish community, the Pope urged the artists to make their faith a priority, and to take advantage of opportunities to receive the Sacraments and to teach the love of God to those they encounter.
"May you always carry out your work with love and with care, confident that God accompanies you with his providence, generous in works of charity, available to offer the resources and genius of your arts and of your professions," he said, closing his speech.
Pope Francis has hosted members of the circus and other performers at the Vatican several times since his election as Bishop of Rome, most of whom come to participate in his general audiences.
On Jan. 8, 2014, members of the Golden Circus in Rome gathered in St. Peter's Square to perform for Francis in his audience, during which he told them that those who put on circus shows "are creators of beauty."
On Jan. 14 of this year, the Pope offered 2,000 of Rome's poor, homeless, refugees and prisoners the opportunity to go to a performance at the Rony Roller Circus free of charge.
An initiative of the Office of the Papal Almoner, headed by Bishop Konrad Krajewski, the event was a "gift" offered by circus artists, "who with perseverance, commitment and many sacrifices are able to create and give beauty to themselves and to others," according to the almoner.
"(It is) an encouragement to overcome the harshness and difficulties of life which many times seem too great and insurmountable," he said.
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.