Church of St. Francis Xavier in Garbatella, Parish church in Garbatella, Rome, Italy
San Francesco Saverio alla Garbatella is a parish church built in 1931–33 to a design by Alberto Calza Bini. Its brick facade has travertine pilasters, a main portal framed by Doric columns, and a large lunette under a circular arch; the tympanum carries the arms of Pope Pius XII. The interior has three naves separated by Ionic columns, a coffered barrel vault, and a reinforced-concrete dome painted gray to imitate lead, topped by a roof lantern.
Built in 1931–33 to a design by Alberto Calza Bini, the church was erected as a parish on 1 May 1933 by Pope Pius XI with the apostolic constitution "Quo omnes sacrorum". On 21 February 2001 it became a titular church held by a cardinal-deacon; Leo Scheffczyk was the first cardinal-protector, followed by Franc Rodé, whose title was raised to cardinal-priest pro hac vice in 2016.
The apse canvas shows Francis Xavier preaching in Goa, the Jesuit mission where he worked from 1542. In the right transept a painting of the Madonna del Divino Amore commemorates the 1943 bombing of Rome; the left transept holds Jesus in Glory with Angels. Two bronze reliefs, the Crucifixion and the Madonna, flank the entrance.
The church holds regular Masses for the local community. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and follow standard church conduct, especially during religious services.
Karol Wojtyła, the future John Paul II, ministered at this church after the Second World War. Three months after his 1978 election he returned on Sunday 3 December, the first parish he visited as pope, and Paul VI had already come in 1976. Since 21 February 2001 the church has held a cardinal title, first Leo Scheffczyk, then Franc Rodé.
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