Pope Francis visited the summer camp for children of Vatican employees on the morning of July 18, 2024. He took part in a biodegradable-balloon release and reminded the youngsters (aged 5 to 13) of the importance of peace.
Every summer, Vatican City organizes activities for the children of the small state's employees. This year, the camp — run by Salesian Fr. Franco Fontana — runs from June 17 to July 26 on Vatican territory.
The theme of the week is inspired by Don Quixote and is titled "Knights Errant."
Peace and the family
Pope Francis doesn't leave the Vatican during the summer as his recent predecessors have (and many of the citizens of Rome), although he lightens his schedule in July. He came to meet the children in the morning. In past years, he's hosted the children at Paul VI Hall.
Answering their questions, the Argentine pontiff spoke of the value of the family, parents, and the relationship with grandparents, says a Holy See release. Urging the kids to work for peace, he told them that "making peace is the most beautiful thing in the world."
The 87-year-old Pope also took part in a biodegradable-balloon release, mixing his own balloon with 300 others sent into the skies over Rome. On each balloon was written in Italian, "To you, dear child: you are precious in God's eyes."
These summer camps are reserved for the children of the some 4,800 Vatican employees. A week of activities, from Monday to Friday, costs 70 euros per child (roughly $76 USD), and there’s a 20 euro ($22 USD) registration fee. Group dances, team games, sports, artistic workshops, educational activities, and shows are all on offer. A swimming pool is also available to participants. This is a particularly welcome asset, given that Rome has been facing an intense heat wave in recent days and is generally quite hot in July.
The Pope thanked the camp staff for their "beautiful work" and pointed out that many of them had, in past years, been children at the camp.
