During the Marian prayer of Regina Caeli on Sunday April 14, the Pope spoke with joy of the first world day dedicated to children which the Church is preparing to celebrate on May 25 and 26.
Marie José Muando Buabualo – Vatican City
The Church is preparing for the first world day dedicated to children. The decision to this effect was taken following the day of November 6, 2023, when the Pope met 8,000 children in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. The date was announced on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, in order to make this meeting between the Pope and the children a regular event.
“To you young girls and young boys, I am waiting for you”
Greeting the children present in St. Peter’s Square during the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli, Francis recalled that he expects children coming from different parts of the world to this event that the Church is preparing for them. “I greet with affection the children from various parts of the world, may they remember that on May 25 and 26, the Church will experience the first World Day dedicated to them.» The Holy Father thanked all those who are working on its preparation and invited everyone to accompany the journey towards this event with prayer. “And to you, girls and boys (whose age should vary between 6 and 12 years), I say: I am waiting for you! You all!“, said the Bishop of Rome with great enthusiasm, while emphasizing how much the world needs their joy and their desire for a better world, a world at peace, before inviting the faithful present to pray for children who suffer from wars. “They are numerous; in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, other parts of the world, Burma. We pray for them and for peace”said the Pope again.
The Pope encourages the University of the Sacred Heart in its educational role
Francis also returned to the 100th National Day of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, celebrated this Sunday, April 14 and which has the theme this year: “Question for the future. Young people between disenchantment and desire“. He encouraged this great university of the Church to continue its important educational service, faithful to its mission and attentive to the needs of today’s youth and society.
