Catholics celebrated Pope Francis’s release from hospital not only with a shout of “Hallelujah,” but also perhaps a cone – the launch of the new gelato flavour has launched in Rome, in a coincidental nod to the pontiff’s love of the sweet treat.
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"Hallelujah!" was the joyous cry of many Catholics as Pope Francis left Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday after a month-long battle with pneumonia. But it wasn’t just a word of relief – it's also the name of a new gelato flavour.
Coinciding with the Pope’s much-anticipated release, Rome saw the debut of "Hallelujah" gelato, a new creation that combines gianduia, a delicious blend of roasted hazelnuts and pure chocolate. The flavour made its first appearance in open-air kiosks in Piazza Risorgimento, just a five-minute stroll from the Vatican, marking a preview of International Handmade Gelato Day and raising funds for homeless projects worldwide.
The gelato quickly became the talk of the town, attracting hundreds of pilgrims, tourists, and gelato enthusiasts who lined up to taste the divine new flavour. From Monday, "Hallelujah" will be available in gelato parlours across Europe.
For many gelato fans, the new flavour is more than a treat; it’s a fitting way to commemorate Pope Francis' recovery, a moment of immense relief for Catholics worldwide.
"It’s such a beautiful coincidence that Pope Francis went back home today," said Ludovico Santasilia, one of the organisers of the tasting event. "Francis has been following this project, and I’m sure he would love the new flavour, as we know he’s a big gelato fan."
The flavour was created by master gelato maker Vincenzo Squatrito, whose entry won a European gelato competition. The name "Hallelujah" was chosen as an homage to the Catholic Church’s Holy Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis launched in December. The Jubilee is expected to attract millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Pope Francis, now 88, has long been known for his love of gelato. In fact, his favourite flavour is said to be dulce de leche, a caramel dessert from his native Buenos Aires. The Pope also shares a special bond with Sebastian Padrón, an Argentine gelato maker based near the papal apartments, who regularly delivers the Pope's favourite treat.
"I’m sure the Pope also loves the idea that donations raised with this tasting will fund a project for homeless people around the world," Santasilia added, highlighting the charitable aspect of the event.
