On March 16, 2025, dozens of children gathered outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Pope Francis is hospitalized. They expressed their support with signs and chants, hoping to boost the Pope's spirits during recovery.
Children Show Support for Pope Francis During Hospital Stay
Children Show Support for Pope Francis During Hospital Stay
Youngsters gather outside Gemelli Hospital, expressing love and encouragement for the ailing pontiff.
Dozens of children, waving balloons in the Vatican's yellow and white colors, gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on March 16 to show their support for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for more than four weeks due to pneumonia. The kids chanted "Papa Francesco" and "Viva la Pace," emphasizing their hopes for the pontiff’s speedy recovery.
With signs in hand, the children hoped Pope Francis would catch a glimpse of their art from his 10th-floor hospital suite. One young boy, flanked by lively peers adorned in blue-and-yellow caps, held up a heartfelt message, saying, "Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot." Although the pope did not appear, he acknowledged their presence during his traditional Sunday blessing and prayer, expressing gratitude for their prayers and stating, “The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Rev. Enzo Fortunato, head of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and organizer of the event, remarked that the children’s presence symbolized a form of “symbolic medicine” for the ailing pontiff, asserting that “children transmit joy.” He also indicated that the posters and letters created by the children would be preserved for Pope Francis at the Vatican guesthouse, the Casa Santa Marta, where he resides. Fortunato affirmed that when the pope is well enough to return, he would personally respond to the messages.
With signs in hand, the children hoped Pope Francis would catch a glimpse of their art from his 10th-floor hospital suite. One young boy, flanked by lively peers adorned in blue-and-yellow caps, held up a heartfelt message, saying, "Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot." Although the pope did not appear, he acknowledged their presence during his traditional Sunday blessing and prayer, expressing gratitude for their prayers and stating, “The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Rev. Enzo Fortunato, head of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and organizer of the event, remarked that the children’s presence symbolized a form of “symbolic medicine” for the ailing pontiff, asserting that “children transmit joy.” He also indicated that the posters and letters created by the children would be preserved for Pope Francis at the Vatican guesthouse, the Casa Santa Marta, where he resides. Fortunato affirmed that when the pope is well enough to return, he would personally respond to the messages.
