Vatican City: In a heartwarming encounter filled with smiles, laughter, and hope, Pope Leo XIV met with over 600 children gathered in the Paul VI Hall, including participants from the Vatican’s official summer camp program and Ukrainian youth hosted in Italy by Caritas Italiana.
The meeting took place late Thursday morning, following the Pope’s regular audience schedule. The Pope was welcomed by a sea of enthusiastic young faces 300 children from the Vatican’s “Estate Ragazzi” summer camp and another 300 children from war-affected regions of Ukraine, currently residing in Italy under humanitarian care.
Pope Leo took time to speak with the children, answer their questions, and reflect on his own early years. He recalled how going to church as a child was not just a spiritual experience, but a chance to meet friends and, most importantly, to meet “the greatest friend of all: Jesus.”
Turning to the Ukrainian children, the Pope offered words of comfort and solidarity in English. He emphasized the value of welcoming others despite differences, saying: “What matters is not where we come from, but that we respect and care for one another. We can all be friends, brothers, and sisters.”
He urged the children to become “builders of bridges, not walls,” reinforcing the power of friendship and kindness as essential tools in today’s world.
In response to a question about conflict, Pope Leo gave a powerful appeal for peace:
“Never get involved in war or conflict. Don't give in to hatred or envy. Jesus calls each of us to be friends to build peace through respect and love for others.”
He reminded them that learning to live in harmony begins at a young age, by treating everyone with dignity and seeing the other as “another version of myself.”
The children surprised the Holy Father with handmade crafts, drawings, and artworks created during the camp sessions. Many of the gifts from the Ukrainian children were deeply touching, symbolizing resilience and gratitude.
The encounter concluded with a group photo session, after which Pope Leo led the children in a prayer of the Hail Mary and extended his heartfelt apostolic blessing to all those present.
This joyful and deeply moving gathering offered a glimpse of what the Church envisions for the next generation: a world shaped by friendship, compassion, and peace, regardless of background or border.