Pope meets Coast Guard after massive immigrant rescue

(ANSA) - Vatican City, February 18 - Pope Francis met with an Italian Coast Guard delegation on Tuesday evening to express his appreciation for their service following a massive operation Monday in which they rescued 2,000 immigrants at sea between Libya and Italy, said Holy See press office director Father Federico Lombardi on Wednesday.
    Lombardi said Pope Francis thanked the men and women members of the Coast Guard for "service carried out with courage and dedication in favor of people in dire need".
    "I feel small compared to the work you do, saving lives," the pope said.