Dozens of young children have shown their love and support for Pope Francis during his treatment in the hospital, hoping to lift his spirits with their vibrant displays of affection.
Children Offer Support to Pope Francis During Hospital Stay
Children Offer Support to Pope Francis During Hospital Stay
A gathering of children brought encouragement to Pope Francis as he remains hospitalized for pneumonia in Rome.
Children gathered on Sunday outside the Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome, where Pope Francis is currently hospitalized due to pneumonia. Famous for its stunning architecture and as a significant site for papal health care, the hospital's square was filled with joyous young voices calling out “Papa Francesco” and “Viva la Pace,” which means “hurray for peace”.
Adorned in the Vatican colors of yellow and white, many children held handmade signs while cheerfully chanting their support for the pontiff, hoping for a brief glimpse as he recuperates in his 10th-floor hospital suite. Among the crowd were young “castorini,” or beavers, a term used for boys too young to be Cub Scouts in Italy. One boy’s cheerful message read, “Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot.”
Although the pope did not appear to the eager children, he recognized their presence during his traditional Sunday blessing. In a pre-recorded address, he expressed gratitude for the children’s prayers and highlighted their importance during his recovery. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” he stated. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
The event was organized by Rev. Enzo Fortunato, the president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day. He emphasized the uplifting impact that children have, calling their gathering a “symbolic medicine for Pope Francis.” Moreover, he assured that the kind messages, posters, and letters created by the children would be preserved and presented to the pope upon his return to the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse. Father Fortunato expressed confidence that the pope would personally respond to the heartfelt messages once he has recovered.
Adorned in the Vatican colors of yellow and white, many children held handmade signs while cheerfully chanting their support for the pontiff, hoping for a brief glimpse as he recuperates in his 10th-floor hospital suite. Among the crowd were young “castorini,” or beavers, a term used for boys too young to be Cub Scouts in Italy. One boy’s cheerful message read, “Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot.”
Although the pope did not appear to the eager children, he recognized their presence during his traditional Sunday blessing. In a pre-recorded address, he expressed gratitude for the children’s prayers and highlighted their importance during his recovery. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” he stated. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
The event was organized by Rev. Enzo Fortunato, the president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day. He emphasized the uplifting impact that children have, calling their gathering a “symbolic medicine for Pope Francis.” Moreover, he assured that the kind messages, posters, and letters created by the children would be preserved and presented to the pope upon his return to the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse. Father Fortunato expressed confidence that the pope would personally respond to the heartfelt messages once he has recovered.
