Children Spread Joy Outside Pope Francis' Hospital Amid Health Concerns

Pope Francis received heartfelt encouragement from children as they cheered for his speedy recovery outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Dozens of children brightened the atmosphere outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, where Pope Francis is currently recovering from pneumonia. Dressed in blue-and-yellow caps, young children assembled beneath the pontiff’s hospital window, holding colorful balloons in the Vatican colors of yellow and white, and chanting “Papa Francesco,” along with the hopeful cheer “Viva la Pace,” or "Hurray for Peace."

Their handmade signs and heartfelt messages aimed at inspiring the Pope to come outside and acknowledge their support. One enthusiastic boy, part of a group of Italian children known as "castorini," held a sign reading, “Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot.” Although the Pope did not personally appear at the window, he expressed gratitude for their love and prayers during his traditional Sunday blessing from his hospital suite, which he delivered without live video for the fifth consecutive week.

“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness,” the Pope said. He thanked the children, sharing his heartwarming message: “the pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”

Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who heads the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and organized the gathering, described their presence as a form of “symbolic medicine” for the ailing pontiff, highlighting how children can transmit joy. The posters and letters created by the children will be preserved for Pope Francis until he returns to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, where he is expected to personally reply to their touching messages once he is fully recovered.