Information for journalists

This morning, Pope Francis visited the “Estate ragazzi in Vaticano” (“Summer Kids in the Vatican”) summer camp, accompanied by Don Franco Fontana, S.D.B., responsible for organizing the Centre’s weeks of physical, educational and spiritual activities.

After a brief greeting and thanks to the benefactors of the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope transferred to the small sports centre, recently constructed for employees’ children, and dedicated to Saint Joseph. Upon arrival, he first had a brief meeting with the animators and then conversed with the children and young people attending the summer centre.

In response to their questions and comments, inspired by the path of reflection and activities they are following these days, Pope Francis spoke about the value of the family, parents, and the relationship with grandparents, and urged them to work for peace, because “making peace is the most beautiful thing in life”, and to prepare for the upcoming jubilee “with the spirit of joy”.

Finally, after a moment of prayer, the children and young people, all together, tossed coloured balloons in the air, all in natural biodegradable rubber printed with the Pope’s words “A te, caro ragazzo, a te, cara ragazza, sei prezioso agli occhi di Dio” (“To you, dear boy, to you, dear girl, you are precious in God’s eyes”) with the wish that the message may reach as many people as possible.

The meeting concluded with thanks from the Pope to the children, for their joy, and to all those involved in implementing the initiative.