CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis met with 7,000 children from around the world in the Pope Paul VI Hall on Monday, reminding those gathered of the unique gifts that children offer.
Organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Vatican hosted children from across the world during an event titled “Let’s Learn from Boys and Girls.”
In his remarks, he said that adults can learn from the simple, joyful disposition of children.
“We need to learn from you,” he said to the children present. “I am always happy when I meet you because you teach me something new every time.”
During the meeting, some children sat at the foot of Pope Francis’ chair and spoke with him.
The pope noted that through children’s joy and love of life, one can recognize the beauty and gift of life and called on the children to be witnesses to this reality.
“Life is a gift! God loves us! We are all brothers and sisters,” he said.
Pope Francis also emphasized the importance of family life and creating a home where children feel loved and acknowledged. When addressing the family and caretakers of the children, Pope Francis asked them to create warm and welcoming homes.
During the meeting, the pope addressed war and the environment with children in mind. He asked why countries often fail to protect children during times of war.
Pope Francis expressed his sorrow that he could not meet each child individually but reminded them that they would have his blessing and that he was grateful for the opportunity to speak with them.
“I wish I could welcome all of you one by one,” he said. “Since there are so many of you, I am addressing all of you together, and through you, all the boys and girls in the whole world, to bring you God’s embrace, the Church’s embrace, and every good person’s embrace, with my embrace.”