Vatican: Papa Leo XIV blesses little girl at the end of Mass in San Pedro

Pope Leo XIV blessed a little girl who approached him at the end of the Mass for the jubilee of the catechists in the Plaza de San Pedro.

On Sunday, September 28 and within the framework of the jubilee of the catechists, Leo XIV celebrated a massive mass with faithful from all over the world.

At the end of the Eucharist and after waiting patiently for all the concelebrants to retire, to be the last of the processional towards the papal basilica, a girl approached him by jumping.

With the venia of the security guards, the girl was able to reach Pope Leo XIV, who stopped, looked at her and blessed her, after which the little girl returned to her place.

According to the Colombian newspaper Timethe girl is called Sara Lia Monguí Rodríguez, is four years old, is Colombian and was in her third attempt to fulfill her dream: to receive the blessing of the Pontiff.

His father, Leonardo Monguí Casas, says that the blessing of the Pope “was a very emotional moment because it was our last chance in these Jubilees that Sara achieved her dream.” “The most special thing for her was that he put his hands on his head. That was what he liked most in his own words.”

“Pope, my blessing!” It was what the little girl said for Leo XIV to stop and bless her.

It is not the first time that the Holy Father has one of these tender gestures with the little ones. In one of his first audiences, another girl presented a cookie: León thanked and ate it, and then followed his journey in the Papamóvil.

In addition and following the custom of Pope Francis, León usually loads the babies who present him at the general audiences, he kisses and blesses them.

In his homily, the Holy Father told those present that the catechists “leave an inner footprint: when we educate in the faith, we do not give a simple instruction, but that we deposit the word of life in our hearts, so that it gives fruit of good life.”