San Francesco Saverio alla Garbatella

San Francesco Saverio alla Garbatella was built in 1931–33. Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, ministered in the church after the Second World War; it was the first church in Rome that he visited after being elected Pope in 1978. Pope Paul VI also visited in 1976. On 21 February 2001, it was made a titular church to be held by a cardinal-deacon. ;Cardinal-protectors • Leo Scheffczyk (2001–2006) • Franc Rodé (2006–present); made a cardinal-priest in 2016, title elevated to a cardinal-priesthood pro hac vice ==Structure==

On a Latin cross plan, the facade is covered in brick and decorated with travertine pilasters. The main entrance is framed by Doric columns. On the entablature there is a large lunette, inside a circular arch. The tympanum carries the arms of Pope Pius XII. The dome is of reinforced concrete, decorated with arched windows; it is painted in gray, in imitation of lead Baroque domes. It is surmounted by a simple roof lantern. The interior is divided into three naves, delimited by Ionic columns; the barrel vault is coffered in stucco. The right transept has a fresco of the Madonna of Divine Love and commemorates the 1943 bombing of San Lorenzo, Rome. The apse holds a canvas painting of Francis Xavier preaching in Goa. ==References==