Pope makes surprise visit to Vatican children's summer camp

Source: Vatican News

On Monday morning, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Kids Summer Camp (Estate Ragazzi) for children of Vatican employees. The children were eating breakfast in the Paul VI Hall when the Holy Father arrived.

Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, explained that the Pope visited each table, talking with the children. He also went to see the play areas set up inside the Hall. A little while later, sitting down with the kids, the Pope encouraged them to make new friends. "People who only know how to have fun by themselves are selfish. You have to be together, with friends, to have a good time," he said.

Before returning to Casa Santa Marta around 10am, he greeted the grown ups managing the camp and thanked them for their hard work.

The Summer Camp opened at the beginning of July and is taking place in the Vatican Gardens, the Vatican heliport and in Paul VI Hall. About 100 children, aged 5 to 14, are taking part. Activities include games, learning and prayers, swimming; tennis, football, ping pong and basketball matches; and an inflatable slide. Anti-Covid safety measures have been put in place.

The Vatican Governorate organized the camp, at the request of Pope Francis. Father Franco Fontana, chaplain of the Vatican Gendarmerie, is coordinating the initiative. Play leaders from the Salesians of Don Bosco are managing the camp, together with an association called 'Tutta in Una Fiesta' (Everyone in one party).