Papa Leo XIV talks about the war with 300 children from Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV went to the classroom Paul VI this morning to meet the approximately 310 children and adolescents who participate in the summer camp Summer guys in the Vatican.

In addition, another 300 children and adolescents from Ukraine participated in the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, welcomed during the summer by Italian Caritas.

This is the sixth edition of this summer course aimed at the children of employees of the Holy See, whose theme this year is “when the other is everything.”

This morning, shortly before noon, at the end of the audiences, the Holy Father continued with the tradition of visiting these little ones. He was received by the animators from the summer center and subsequently spoke with the children, answering some questions.

During his dialogue with them, the Pope told aspects of his childhood, such as his participation in the Mass, where he was with other friends, but above all with “The best friend: Jesus,” said the Holy See in a statement.

The pontiff also talked about diversity and welcome and also directed a few words of welcome to Ukrainian children, stressing that “it is important to respect us, not stop at differences, but build bridges, friendship; we can all be friends, brothers, sisters.”

When answering a question about war, he explained that even since childhood it is necessary to learn to be builders of peace and friendship, not to enter wars or fights, and never promote hatred or envy.

He pointed out that “Jesus calls us to be all friends,” and advised the children “to learn from little to have mutual respect, to see someone like me in the other.”

Children and adolescents offered to the Holy Father some gifts made by them during the summer center, memories of the Summer guys and drawings and works made by Ukrainian children and adolescents.

At the end of the meeting, after taking pictures with them, Pope Leo XIV invited them to pray the Ave Maria and gave their blessing to everyone present.