Pope, first lady recall priest revered by Dominicans

Presidency Press official Ovalles Rafael, who traveled with president Danilo Medina’s wife to Rome, said when Montilla identified herself to the pontiff, Francis replied, "The land of padre Emiliano Tardiff

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic first lady Candy Montilla had the thrill of her life in the Vatican on Tuesday, when she greeted Pope Francis after his installation as head of the Catholic Church.

Presidency Press official Ovalles Rafael, who traveled with president Danilo Medina’s wife to Rome, said when Montilla identified herself to the pontiff, Francis replied, "The land of padre Emiliano Tardiff."

Ovalles said the Pope’s reference was special because it was through Tardiff that the first lady joined the Catholic Church 15 years ago.