Pope Francis Encourages Children From Poland to Share Hope and Suffering

Vatican City, January 11, 2025: Pope Francis met with young patients from the Oncology and Pediatric Hematology Clinic in Wrocław, Poland at the Vatican on Saturday. During the meeting, the Holy Father greeted the children and spoke about the Jubilee Year 2025, describing it as a "year in which God intends to bestow upon us special graces."

Pope Francis encouraged the group, saying, “We have the chance to offer one another hope and love.” He shared that one of the reasons he felt joy before meeting the children was because children and young people represent “signs of hope” for him. “This is because Jesus is present in each of them, and where He is, there is hope that never fails,” he said.

The Pope spoke to the children about the importance of true friendships, emphasizing the connection between sharing both joy and pain. “Through our own struggles, we can unite ourselves with Jesus, who freely endured suffering on the cross for us,” he said. Pope Francis referred to this as “a test of friendship,” explaining that true friends are those for whom "the joy of the other is also my joy, and the pain of the other is also my pain."

The Pope also highlighted to the children and young adults that another expression of Jesus' love for them can be found in the people around them. He was referring to "the unwavering love and presence of their parents, along with the compassionate smiles of their doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists” who have dedicated themselves to the care and recovery of the children so that they may be able to achieve their hopes and dreams.

Pope Francis emphasized that he sees things from Jesus’ perspective and referred to the group as his friends. He presented them with a challenge to serve the Church by dedicating their prayers and sufferings for the Pope. He further urged them to pray alongside him for the "countless children across the world who are unable to receive proper medical care."

Courtesy: Vatican News