On the papal flight to Algeria, journalists present Pope Leo with a drawing from young patients at the Bambino Gesù hospital in Rome.
By Salvatore Cernuzio and Claudia Torres - Aboard the papal plane Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to four African nations began with a splash of color aboard the papal plane on Monday, 13 April. During the customary greetings, journalists from the Dicastery for Communication presented the Holy Father with a drawing made by children receiving care at the Bambino Gesù children’s hospital in Rome. It shows Pope Leo wearing glasses and carrying a rucksack with the word “Vangelo” (Gospel) written on it, about to embark on a journey with the children. The children can be seen laying down building blocks, depicting them as builders of peace. It is a poignant message with which young patients wished to express their support for the Holy Father as he began his journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The Vatican journalists explained the drawing’s symbolism and message of peace, at a time when conflicts in various parts of the world continue to endanger children. In response, Pope Leo smiled and said, "Thank you so much." The Bambino Gesù Hospital’s extensive work in these times of war is well known: since Russia first bombed Ukraine, it has welcomed more than 2,000 Ukrainian patients into its wards. In recent years, another 30 patients from the Gaza Strip have been admitted to its various departments, some of them requiring highly complex medical care. The picture was made in the hospital's playroom, a crossroads of encounter and exchange where both children and adults gather every day—teenagers undergoing treatment and parents accompanying their children. Christians of different denominations, Muslims, and people of other religions also come together there. In the playroom, children—including the patients’ brothers and sisters—can play, chat, and relax, thanks to the help of professional educators who engage those in their care in projects and activities centred on the theme of peace. The idea is that in an era marked by hatred and violence, as Pope Leo has repeatedly pointed out, it is important to foster in new generations the desire to be “builders of peace." “We, builders of peace, are with you, Pope Leo!” wrote the children on the drawing for the Pope. They also attached other drawings and messages, such as one addressed to both children and adults, urging them “not to argue."