Pope visits children's hospital to wish kids a Merry Christmas




For about three hours, Pope Francis visited the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome. It was a his way of wishing the young patients a Merry Christmas. Some waited for the Pope right at the entrance and others in their hospital rooms.

"You're all great..."

The Pope thanked the doctors and all the caregivers at the hospital. He said their work is much more than just work. Above all else, he said, it represents hope.

Then came the moment to directly greet the children and their families. The Pope went by himself, without his team and without photographers.

Then these two patients decided to take the lead of the tour. They took Pope Francis by the hand, to the hospital's chapel.

POPE FRANCIS
"Thank you for [sharing] your dreams and your prayers [with me] in this basket. Thank you very much! Together, we will give this to Jesus. He knows what's deep in your heart. Especially with you children, Jesus has a special bond: He is always close to you.”

It was one of the shortest speeches of his pontificate, yet words were not needed.

Of course, the young patients weren't the only ones excited to see the Pope. These two young adults, were eager to take a picture with him.

Benedict XVI also visited the hospital back in 2005. It was founded in 1869, so that top doctors could treat children from Italy and other neighboring European countries.
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