Motivated by his faith, his desire to generate a social impact and his commitment to the peace message of Pope Francis, Diego Martínez, extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist, The communication team of the Pope’s World Prayer Network was integrated. This project brought him closer to the Pontiff, with whom he exchanged a hug, A promise for Guatemala and a Zucchetto who keeps as a significant memory in his life.
Its link with this pontifical work and His work as a coordinator in Guatemala They emerged after his first encounter with the Pope, in which Francisco expressed his desire to visit the country.
According to Martínez, The encounter with the maximum representative of the Catholic Church was a moment of deep faith and a reunion with peace. He stressed that the Pontiff transmits joy, serenity and a sense of indescribable tranquility.
When reflecting on their experiences, Martínez considers that these achievements are not individual, but the result of the support of his family, friends and communities that have believed in his mission. Although he never imagined reaching Pope Francis, he acknowledges that every step has been guided by his faith and his commitment to education and peace in Guatemala.
This path took it to the World Poping Net Click to pray.
The first encounter with Pope Francis
Martínez considers that his first encounter with the Pope in 2014 was a gift that changed his life and his mission within the Church. The opportunity arose when he traveled to Rome to receive a prize for a message of peace, after being recognized in Brussels.
Taking advantage of the occasion, he decided to do something significant: carry a message from the Guatemalans to the Pope. To do this, he created a notebook with messages collected throughout the country.
“Together with my family, the idea of collecting messages to give them to the Pope emerged. With very limited resources, we managed to raise more than half a million messages from children, youth, adults and the elderly. Even people who did not know how to write left their mark as a signature in the notebook, ”Martínez said.
Delivery of the book with more than half a million messages from Guatemalans requesting the visit of Pope Francis to the country. (Photo Free Press: Courtesy Diego Martínez)
From his project I want the peace of the world, he sought to convey the desire of the young Guatemalans for receiving the visit of the Pontiff. With the support of his family and friends, and after overcoming various ecclesial and political obstacles, he managed to realize the audience with Pope Francis.
“During the general audience, ambassadors, artists and newly married have a special pass. I was within that group. When my turn came, I approached, I gave him the notebook and said: ‘Holy Father, this is an invitation to come to Guatemala’. His answer was brief but significant: ‘When I can’. It was a promise not only for me, but for Guatemala, ”he recalled.
In that encounter, the Pope gave him a Zucchetto (the small white hat that the pontiff uses), a gift that Martínez retains as a symbol of his illusion for knowing him and as an expression of faith.
He Zucchettogift of Pope Francis to Diego Martínez during his first visit to Rome in 2014. (Photo Free Press: Courtesy of Erica Porras)
A path of faith: the worldwide prayer network of the Pope
Committed to peace and education, Martínez continued to promote initiatives for the benefit of Guatemalan young people.
“In Guatemala, many young people have abandoned their studies due to various difficulties, such as pregnancies at an early age or lack of resources. Inspired by the peace message of Pope Francis, I joined the world’s prayer network, which at that time did not exist in Guatemala. Thanks to the support of the Pontifical Work, we managed to bring this mission to the country, ”he explained.
This network diffuses the prayer intentions of the Pope and addresses the challenges of humanity. Among his outstanding projects are the Pope’s video, the click to pray application and other digital initiatives. His participation in the work allowed him to have a second and most significant encounter with the Supreme Pontiff.
The second encounter with the Pope
On June 28, 2019, in the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Pope’s World Prayer Network, Martínez had his second approach with Francisco. The event was held in the Pablo VI room, in the Vatican.
Days before the meeting, the international director of the work asked him to give a speech about his experience and share a message on behalf of the young people. Two days before the event, he was informed that his speech would be heard in person by Pope Francis, which generated a mixture of nerves and joy.
Diego Martínez’s speech against Pope Francis during the 175th anniversary of the Pope’s World Prayer Network. (Photo Free Press: Courtesy Diego Martínez)
“Although my only task was to give the speech, the proximity of the Pontiff broke the protocol,” he said.
“During my speech, I mentioned the effort to spread his message in Guatemala. When I finished speaking, the Pope got up from his seat and approached me. In an unexpected gesture, he made a joke: ‘Tell me, did you want to work with the Pope or be the Pope?’ I let out a laugh and replied: ‘No, I work with you, but you are the Pope, ”he said.
During the interview with Press Libre, Martínez confessed that this moment was very emotional and that the Pope’s hug was an unimaginable experience.
Hug between Pope Francis and Diego Martínez, the first Guatemalan in the world prayer network of the Pope. (Photo Free Press: Courtesy Diego Martínez)
“I felt that time stopped, as if we were only he and me in that place. Then, I asked for a hug, and upon receiving it, I experienced an indescribable peace, ”he said.
At the end of the event, he approached the Pope again and handed him a Guatemala flag.
“I said: ‘Guatemala loves you and prays for you’. His answer was a smile, ”Martínez recalled.
A commitment that continues
Beyond the encounters with the Pope, Martínez highlights that the real impact is on daily work.
Worldwide, the Pope’s prayer network is present in 92 countries. It is a community that not only works in digital, but also carries out face -to -face activities in parishes and communities.
“Work with the pontifical work has been a challenge, but also a blessing. Knowing that we contribute to spreading a message of hope and union in Guatemala and in the world is a responsibility that I assume with gratitude, ”he concluded.
In 2023, Martínez ended his work as a national coordinator of the World Popular Prayer Network in Guatemala, after several years of commitment to the mission.
Union in prayer by the Pope
Diego Martínez pointed out that, given the fragility of health facing Pope Francis, it is necessary that the community join in prayer for its speedy recovery. He stressed that the Pontiff needs the support of the faithful at this time, since he has maintained a constant mission to pray for the peace of the world and takes all people in his heart.
“The Pope is very strong,” said Martínez, who trusts his recovery and will continue to direct the Church for many more years. He also reiterated his desire that the Supreme Pontiff visits Guatemala.