Children Rally for Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital
In a heartwarming display of support, a group of children released balloons in the Vatican’s iconic colors of yellow and white at the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital on Sunday. Pope Francis has been a patient there for over four weeks. The children, full of enthusiasm, gathered in the hospital square, chanting “Papa Francesco” and cheering “Viva la Pace”, which translates to ‘hurray for peace’.
Many of the young attendees held up handmade signs with the hope that the Pope might catch a glimpse of their colorful artwork from his 10th-floor hospital suite. Their messages were filled with encouragement and well wishes for the Pope’s speedy recovery.
A boy among the lively group of “castorini”—a term used in Italy for children not yet old enough to join the Cub Scouts—proudly displayed a sign reading “Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot.”
Although Pope Francis did not make a personal appearance, he acknowledged the children’s heartfelt gesture during his traditional Sunday blessing and prayer. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” the pontiff expressed in his message. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
The Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who heads the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and organized this touching gathering, remarked that “children transmit joy” and their presence symbolized a form of “symbolic medicine for Pope Francis.” All the posters and letters crafted by the children will be preserved and await the Pope’s return to Casa Santa Marta, where he resides in the Vatican.
Father Fortunato expressed confidence that the Pope would personally respond to these messages when he is able.
