Madrid: A heartfelt gift from young patients at the Vatican's Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital accompanied Pope Leo XIV on the first day of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, offering a touching reminder of the prayers and affection of children facing illness.
While travelling aboard the papal flight to Madrid on Friday, Pope Leo XIV received a colourful drawing created by children undergoing treatment at the Vatican hospital. The artwork was presented to him by journalists from the Vatican media who were travelling with the Pope on his visit to Spain, which runs from June 6 to 12.
The drawing captured a child's view of Pope's journey through the skies. It featured a bright yellow sun, a white airplane flying among the clouds, and the Spanish flag. Carefully added details included the crossed keys of Saint Peter on the tail of the aircraft and Pope looking out from a window wearing a golden cross.
Witnesses on board said Pope took the drawing into his hands and examined it closely. He spent several moments looking at its details before smiling warmly and thanking those who had delivered the gift.
Behind the simple artwork lies a moving story of hope and creativity. The drawing was created in the playroom of the Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital, a place where children receiving treatment can spend time drawing, playing, and expressing themselves despite the challenges of illness.
The project brought together young patients from different backgrounds who share similar experiences of hospital stays, medical examinations, therapies, and long periods of waiting. For many of them, art offers a way to express emotions and stay connected to the wider world.
The drawing was led by nine year old Giulia, one of the young patients. Beside her signature, she added a small heart, a simple detail that reflected the affection and good wishes the children wanted to send to the Pope.
Hospital staff said the artwork was more than a picture. It was a message of closeness from children who wished to accompany the Holy Father spiritually during his journey.
This is not the first time the young patients of Bambino Gesù have reached out to Pope Leo XIV through art. Earlier this year, during the Pope's Apostolic Journey to four African nations, the children also prepared a drawing to express their support and prayers.
The latest gift continues a growing tradition that highlights the special bond between Pope and the children receiving care at the Vatican hospital. Through their drawings, the young patients are able to share their hopes, imagination, and encouragement with the Holy Father, even from their hospital rooms.
What began as a collection of sketches and colours on a table in a hospital playroom eventually found its way onto the papal aircraft flying toward Spain. The drawing carried with it the voices of children who understand vulnerability yet continue to dream, create, and hope.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his visit to Spain, the artwork serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of children facing difficult circumstances. Through a simple drawing, they delivered a message filled with warmth and affection: a wish for a safe journey and a successful visit.