- Pope Francis visits a pediatric hospital in Mexico City on Valentine’s Day
- He hands out rosaries to the sick children and blesses them
- He is also seen personally giving medicine to young patient
Pope Francis visited a pediatric institution in Mexico on Sunday, February 14, and prayed with the sick children at the Federico Gomez Pediatric Hospital located in the capital Mexico City of the predominantly Catholic Latin-American country.
At one point, the pontiff was also seen personally administering medicine to a young patient. He also handed out rosaries to the children who welcomed him cheerfully with dance and songs.
During his visit, Pope Francis blessed the children and spoke to them about the child Jesus.
“He was very small, just like some of you,” the Pope said; telling the patients he is very grateful to God for giving him the opportunity to visit the sick and their families at the hospital “to share a little of your life and of those who work here.”
The Catholic leader also recounted a biblical story about the presentation of Jesus to Simeon by Joseph and Mary at the temple.
“He took Jesus in his arms and held him close, and began to bless the Lord. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of gratitude and the desire to bless,” Pope Francis said of Simeon; whom he described as the ‘uncle’ who taught about gratitude and blessing.
The Pope also thanked the people who are doing their best to help the children heal quickly from their ailments; saying he is asking God to bless them and their families for their tireless efforts in making the patients’ smiles grow each day.
“May God bless each person… not only doctors but also those who provide ‘kindness-therapy’, thus making the time spent here more enjoyable,” the Catholic News Agency quoted the Pope as saying.
After his brief remark, Pope Francis made the rounds of the hospital rooms to visit the children; readily giving out hugs and kisses to everyone.
He then proceeded to the hospital’s chemotherapy for a private visit to cancer patients.
The Pope will be staying in Mexico from February 12 until February 17 and is scheduled to celebrate Mass with revelers near the U.S. border in Juarez as part of his 5-day trip.
Watch below a short clip of Pope Francis’ visit to the hospital (Credit: Rome Reports):
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