This morning, in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the children assisted by the “Santa Marta” Paediatric Dispensary in the Vatican, with family members and volunteers.

The following is the greeting addressed by the Pope to those present:

Greeting of the Holy Father

Good morning to you all! And thank you very much for being able to come, so many girls, boys, all of you here! Thank you very much.

We must prepare ourselves for a great feast, which will be next week, Christmas: the feast in which we all think about and remember when Jesus came, he came to be with us. Let us think, let us prepare our heart for Christmas, to receive Jesus.

Each one of you, think: what will I ask Jesus? What will I ask of Jesus this Christmas? Now each one of you think: what will I ask of Jesus? In silence, with your eyes closed, and think: what will I ask of Jesus?

Have you already thought about it? Good. Now ask him. And I wish you a happy Christmas, a happy Christmas to all of you! Always with a smile, and may the Lord give you everything you want. Thank you!