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 Pope’s greeting to those present during the meeting:

Greeting of the Holy Father

Thank you very much. I thank each one of you for your presence here, for this day of joy that prepares us for Christmas.

And we must not forget the children of Ukraine, and certainly you will not forget them! [Points to a sign]. There it says “Peace”, and there is the flag of Ukraine.

So many children are suffering from the war; they also suffer in other places because of injustice.

If the Lord gives us this joy to celebrate Christmas like this, all together, in peace, let us also think of those who suffer and let us pray for them, all together.

And now thank you very much! And if you want you can start the circus, no problem. Thank you!