“God’s Mason,” “Mother Teresa with pants,” “God’s soldier,” “the apostle of garbage” and “the insurgent of Madagascar” are but a handful of the nick-names given to Father Pedro Opeka, nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize, who’s also a recipient of France’s Legion of Honour and several papal awards.
Born in Argentina in 1948 to Slovenian parents who fled Europe after World War II, Opeka is a missionary priest who’s been serving in Madagascar, the world’s ninth poorest country, for almost 50 years.
He’s in Rome because three countries Argentina, Slovenia and Monaco are throwing a dinner to raise funds for his foundation, “Akamasoa,” which means “good friends” in Malagasy.
On May 28, Opeka was received by Pope Francis.
“When we arrived, the doors opened and the Pope came to encounter us,” Opeka said. “He tells me ‘Pedro, how are you?’ Like a friend, a father, as if we’ve known each other for years.”
