- Pope Francis was serenaded by a young cancer patient with a heartfelt song on his Mexico visit
- Alexia Guarduno sings a heartfelt rendition of “Ave Maria”
- Guarduno was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer and has an operation scheduled on February 25
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – A young cancer patient at the pediatric hospital performed a heartfelt rendition of “Ave Maria” for Pope Francis on Sunday.
Gillian Mohney mentioned in her article for ABC News published on February 15 that dignitaries, media and hospital staff listened to the girl perform the classical Schubert song; all held back their tears.
The Pope stood next to the girl as she sang, obviously moved emotionally. He then bent down and kissed her cheek after she finished; sharing a few words.
The young singer, identified as 15-year-old Alexia Guarduno, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and has an operation scheduled on February 25.
Photo Credit: The Mirror
Dan Good mentioned in his article for New York Daily News published on February 15 said that the pope’s visit to Federico Gomez Pediatric Hospital in Mexico City marked an emotional stop during his week-long trip to Mexico; which is his first visit there as Pontiff.
Another patient at the hospital gave Pope Francis a handmade Valentine’s Day card with a big heart on the front.
“You made this?” Francis asked as he accepted the card; then saying, “Gracias.”
Pope Francis bent down and kissed dozens of sick kids, playfully mussing the hair of the older ones. Some of the patients posed for selfies with the pope, while several rose from their wheelchairs to embrace him.
The pope even played as a doctor to one little boy; administering medicine from a dropper.
An article by Alexandra Genova, Euan McLelland, and Isabel Hunter for Mail Online published on February 15 said that Pope Francis always make it a point to visit children’s hospitals during his foreign trips; both to visit with the kids and to thank the staff for caring for them.
Although parts of the encounters were televised, Pope Francis also visits bedridden patients in private for more personal encounters.
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