In the Paul VI Hall, Pope Leo XIV meets the children of “Estate Ragazzi” and 300 children from Ukraine
A Celebration of Diversity and Welcome
It was a visit marked by friendship, affection, inclusion, and a sense of family when Pope Leo XIV met with the participants of the “Estate Ragazzi” [summer day camp for kids] program at the Vatican on the morning of Thursday, July 3, in the Paul VI Hall.
Before meeting them, he welcomed 300 children and young people from Ukraine who are spending the summer in Italy, hosted by Caritas Italiana, as reported in a statement from the Holy See Press Office.
The 310 participants in the sixth edition of “Estate Ragazzi” had the opportunity to reflect on the suffering of many of their peers affected by the consequences of war. The Ukrainian children are currently experiencing a time of peace in Italy, far from air raid sirens, bombs, and destruction.
For the participants of Vatican day camp — wearing colored hats and t-shirts based on their age groups: green for ages 5–6, yellow for 7–8, light blue for 9–10, and blue for 11–13 — it was also a moment to reflect on this year’s theme: “Tutt’Altro – Quando l’Altro è Tutto [like no other – when the other is liked].” Throughout the program, they are accompanied by Kerek, a character born in the Line City, where everything is square and orderly and anything that isn’t is banned, and by the wise elder named Pepe, Keeper of the Guesthouse. With his wisdom and experience, the old man helps guide the main character to discover the beauty of diversity — highlighting the importance of inclusion and friendship.
Welcomed by the camp counselors, the Pope spoke with the children and answered some of their questions. He shared stories from his own childhood, about attending Mass where he met other children and made friends — but most importantly, where he encountered “his best friend, Jesus.”
He spoke about diversity and welcoming others, first offering a few words in English to greet the Ukrainian children, and then adding that “it’s important to respect one another, not to get stuck on differences, but to build bridges and friendships. We can all be friends, brothers, and sisters.”
Answering a question about war, he explained that even at a young age, we must learn to be builders of peace and friendship, never to engage in fighting or conflict, and never to promote hatred or envy:
“Jesus calls us all to be friends,” he said, because it’s important to “learn from a young age to respect each other and see ourselves in one another.”
The children gave the Pope several gifts, including objects they made during the summer camp, “Estate Ragazzi” memorabilia, and drawings and artworks from the Ukrainian children.
At the end of the visit, after taking photos together, Pope Leo invited everyone to pray the Hail Mary and gave his blessing to those present, including Sister Raffaella Petrini, Archbishop Emilio Nappa, and attorney Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, respectively President and Secretaries General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, as well as Father Franco Fontana, S.D.B., Coordinator of the Chaplains of the Directorates and Central Offices, and of the “Estate Ragazzi” day camp.
The initiative — reserved for the children of employees of the Governorate and the Holy See — was promoted by the Governorate of Vatican City State and coordinated by Father Fontana. It began on Monday, June 16, and will conclude on Friday, August 1.
