Pope marks inaugural World Children’s Day with 50,000 children and families

Pope Francis Inspires 50,000 Children at World Children’s Day Event

An estimated 50,000 children, aged 6 to 12, from over 100 countries gathered at Rome’s Olympic Stadium to listen to the wise words of 87-year-old Pope Francis. The pontiff, known for his message of peace and love, encouraged the young audience not to let their dreams of peace be stolen.

The children and their families warmly welcomed Pope Francis, with participants coming from various countries including Italy, Spain, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, South Sudan, and Haiti. A group of 60 children from the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, Gaza, and Bethlehem, were also in attendance.

Earlier in the day, the pope met with a group of Ukrainian and Palestinian children, sharing a heartwarming moment with them. The children’s messages of hope and peace were also shared during the event, with one 9-year-old Palestinian boy expressing his desire to live freely like children around the world.

During the World Children’s Day event, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of justice and equality for all children. He called for an end to selfishness and injustice, urging everyone to work towards a more just world where all children have their basic needs met.

The event concluded with a soccer match kicked off by Pope Francis, showcasing his playful side and love for sports. Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni also added a touch of humor to the event, expressing his admiration for the pope and jokingly suggesting a tango dance with him.

Overall, the World Children’s Day event was a heartwarming and inspiring gathering that left a lasting impact on the young participants, reminding them of the power of dreams and the importance of working towards a peaceful and just world.