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“Certainly life here in Italy isn’t 100% what we want. But let’s say it’s 80% better than in my country,” Chinonso, 34, said with Anthony by her side at their home in Rieti, north of Rome.

The music, by Vittorio Rieti, after themes from Bellini operas, swept her into another world.

Angela Spera, who works for a car rental company, and was visiting from Rieti, about an hour’s drive north of Rome, said the pontiff’s demeanor was reassuring.

The 4 December Rieti feast normally attracts hundreds of visitors, including from neighbouring countries.

Barbara is the patron saint of both firefighters and the town of Rieti.