Ludovica Uggeri

The Association of Saints Peter and Paul was established in 1971 by Pope Paulus V. It is a volunteer association made up of Catholic adults who give their free time to the Vatican City. It is divided into three sections: Liturgical, Cultural and Charity.

The volunteers for the liturgical part are in charge of assisting pilgrims during the celebrations with the Pope and give daily help in Saint Peter’s Church.

In terms of the cultural side the volunteers also run some events, for example conferences, exhibitions and pilgrimages. Last but not least, the volunteers give part of their salary to help disadvantage people. Additionally, they also help in the soup kitchen and in the hospital.

Gianluca Buccini, President of the association, points out how this is a prestigious role as they volunteer along side the Pope. To volunteer for this association, you need two years of training and to be a resident in the city of Rome.

They only take twenty people per year and there are around 900 people who apply. During the events, volunteers work for between six to eight hours. The motto of this association is, “Humble and its duties, big in its souls and unconditional in its faith.”