Pope Francis Brings Joy to Children at Vatican’s Summer Camp
Every year, Pope Francis makes a special visit to the Vatican’s Summer Camp for the children of Vatican employees, creating a tradition that brings happiness to the young participants and the staff.
This year, despite the intense Roman heat, Pope Francis arrived at the camp early in the morning, engaging in conversations with the children and teenagers while they played and enjoyed the activities.
During his visit, the Pope interacted with different groups of children, each identified by the colors they wore, led by Father Franco Fontana, whom the Pope fondly called “Superman.”
The atmosphere was filled with joy as the children sported colorful hats and t-shirts and released biodegradable balloons into the sky with the message, “You are precious in the eyes of God.”
Addressing a brief Q&A session, Pope Francis shared insights on peace, the importance of family, and the upcoming Jubilee, emphasizing the value of preparing with joy instead of mere fun.
The Pope’s arrival at the camp was marked by music, cheers, and warm welcomes from the staff and Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga.
Embracing Family and Values
Pope Francis highlighted the significance of family, sharing stories from his childhood in Argentina and stressing the important role grandparents play in a child’s life.
He encouraged the children to cherish their time with their grandparents, emphasizing the joy and guidance they bring.
Promoting Peace and Unity
The Pope urged the children to always work towards peace, both in their homes and in their interactions with others, emphasizing the value of maintaining a peaceful spirit.
He emphasized the importance of making peace before bedtime and extending this practice to all family members, creating harmony in relationships.
Preparing for the Jubilee Year
As the children asked questions about the upcoming Jubilee Year, Pope Francis encouraged them to approach it with jubilation and joy, preparing their hearts for the special occasion.
He distinguished between joy and mere fun, advising the children to embrace the joy that comes with significant events like the Jubilee.
Gratitude, Prayer, and Farewell
The Pope concluded the visit with a moment of prayer and the release of biodegradable balloons containing messages of hope and blessings.
Expressing gratitude for the joyful experience, Pope Francis thanked the children and staff for their spirit of joy and camaraderie.
As the visit came to an end, the children parted ways with a sense of happiness and inspiration, carrying with them the Pope’s words of love and encouragement.
