On Sunday, March 16, 2025, a colorful assembly of children adorned in yellow and white—symbolic of the Vatican—convened in the square outside Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome. This gathering was a heartfelt gesture aimed at uplifting Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for over a month due to pneumonia. As they chanted “Papa Francesco” and “Viva la Pace” (long live peace), many displayed handmade signs conveying their best wishes for his swift recovery.
These young supporters included members of a local youth group, who brought with them an infectious spirit of joy and enthusiasm. One young boy, part of a lively group of children known locally as “castorini,” held a sign reading “Ciao Papa Cesco, I love you a lot,” in hopes of catching the pontiff's eye.
Although the pope was unable to make an appearance, he did acknowledge the children during his traditional Sunday blessing, expressing gratitude for their prayers and support. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness," he said, in a message delivered remotely for the fifth consecutive week.
The Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who oversees the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and organized the gathering, noted that children represent joy and positivity, referring to their gathering as “symbolic medicine" for the pope. He also mentioned that all the letters and pictures created by the children would be saved and ready for the pope upon his return to Casa Santa Marta, his residence in Vatican City. Father Fortunato expressed confidence that Pope Francis would respond personally to these heartfelt messages when he is well enough to do so.
