Pope Leone XIV gathered with hundreds of Vatican employees, their families, and children in the Vatican Gardens on September 5, delivering a pastoral reflection on family life during the event organized by the Governatorato, according to Vatican News reporting by Salvatore Cernuzio and subsequent coverage by Letizia Lucarelli.
Pope Leone XIV Greets Vatican Families and Children in the Vatican Gardens
Families filled the Piazzale del Governatorato as an orchestra played “Dolce sentire” to welcome the Pontiff, continuing an annual tradition that follows summer camp programs for Vatican children. According to Vatican News, the gathering included games, bounce houses, food stalls, and a “Little Firefighters Village” before the formal papal address. Sister Raffaella Petrini, president of the Governatorato, spoke alongside the Pope to express filial gratitude and pledge support for his ministry. Additional Vatican officials present included Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, and Salesian priest Don Franco Fontana, who coordinates chaplains and youth programs for Vatican employees.
The Family as the Mirror of God According to Pope Leone XIV
Drawing on an insight from St. John Paul II, Pope Leone XIV described the family as the place where God looks at Himself. As reported by Vatican News, the Pontiff quoted his predecessor’s words: “La famiglia è lo specchio in cui Dio si guarda. Cominciamo con quello, immaginate la vostra famiglia, immaginiamo anche questa famiglia che siamo radunati qui.” The Pope explained that God sees two great miracles in this mirror: giving life and giving love. He urged parents and children to look at their households as reflections of divine love, stepping away from selfishness to give life to others within the home, among friends, and outward to those outside their immediate circles.
Humor and Youth Culture: The “Six-Seven” Trend in the Vatican
In a lighthearted moment recorded by Vatican News, Pope Leone engaged directly with younger attendees by referencing internet culture and youth slang picked up during his recent summer meetings. The Pope joked about learning mathematics from children, asking the crowd, “Questa estate molti hanno imparato un po’ di matematica, quanto fa six-seven?” When the crowd laughed, he mimicked the hand-gesturing meme of alternating open hands. Teenagers also attempted to teach him another trending term by asking him to say “aura,” prompting further laughter from both adults and children in the Piazzale del Governatorato.
Did you know?
The annual family festival organized by the Governatorato marks its third edition, providing a festive post-summer gathering for the diverse workforce of Vatican City State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event did Pope Leone XIV attend in the Vatican?
Pope Leone XIV attended the third annual family festival organized by the Governatorato for Vatican employees and their children in the Piazzale del Governatorato.
What did Pope Leone XIV say about families?
According to Vatican News, citing St. John Paul II, the Pope called the family a mirror where God looks at Himself to see the two miracles of giving life and giving love.
Who accompanied the Pope during the gathering?
Sister Raffaella Petrini, president of the Governatorato, spoke at the event alongside cardinals including Giuseppe Bertello, Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, and Ángel Fernández Artime, as well as coordinator Don Franco Fontana.
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