Tango dancer dedicates performance at St. Peter's to Pope

Rome, Italy, May 14, 2013 / 15:05 pm

A professional Argentine dancer, who recently travelled to Rome to see his fellow countryman, Pope Francis, hopes to one day perform for the Holy Father in person.

"It is truly a pleasure and an honor for Argentineans to have him as Pope," Oscar Flores told CNA on May 8 after the Pope's general audience. "He is a very charismatic person and he knows how to reach the people."

The dancer was joined by a group of Latin Americans, including Mexicans, Peruvians, Argentineans and Colombians, who filled St. Peter's with joyful songs dedicated to the Pontiff.

The group was led by Peruvian priest Father Luis Sandoval, who works with immigrants in the Italian Diocese of Benedetto de Tronto.

Flores delighted a group of the faithful with a performance of the traditional tango in St. Peter's Square.

"I dedicate this dance to Francis," he said, adding that "it would be an honor and a dream" to dance for the Holy Father in person someday. 

Flores began dancing 18 years ago in Argentina, where he teaches various dance styles. He is currently in Italy to attend several different festivals.

This week, Flores will perform in San Benedetto de Tronto, where one of the largest Latin American communities in Italy resides. He will later return to Buenos Aires to teach at a dance academy.