Pope Francis, like every year, visits the children, animators, and staff of “Estate Ragazzi”, the Vatican Summer Center, accompanied by Father Franco Fontana, S.D.B., responsible for the organization of the weeks of physical activities, educational and spiritual aspects of the center. This time in the unprecedented setting of the sports spaces of the San José Center, inaugurated in June. Greetings, prayers, and a brief dialogue with some young people about family, peace, and the Jubilee: “Thank you for your spirit of joy”
After a brief greeting and thanks to the benefactors of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope moved to the area of the small sports center for the employees’ children, recently built and dedicated to Saint Joseph. Upon his arrival, there was first a brief meeting with the animators and then the Pope began a conversation with the children and young people who participate in the summer center.
In response to their questions and speeches, inspired by the path of reflection and activities that they are following these days, Pope Francis spoke of the value of the family, of parents, of the relationship with grandparents, he urged them to work for peace, because “making peace is the most beautiful thing in life”, and to prepare for the next jubilee “with a spirit of joy.”
Finally, after a moment of prayer, the children and young people together launched colorful, natural rubber, biodegradable balloons into the air, each with the Pope’s words written: “For you, dear boy, for you, dear girl.” you are precious in the eyes of God, with the desire that the message reaches as many people as possible.
The meeting concluded with the Pope thanking the children, for their joy, and all those involved in carrying out the initiative.
