Among the little ones

On May 24, 2014, during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Pope Francis met with a delegation of refugees and young people with disabilities in the Latin Church at the Place of His Baptism. It was a much-anticipated meeting, because even on that trip—still relatively early in his pontificate—he had wanted to put the little ones at the center, who were truly the protagonists of that moment. A family atmosphere was immediately created, unusual for the majority of those present at such an official gathering, which truly left a mark on everyone's hearts.

We were present with peace flags, waving them, as were the young people we welcome for services at the Arsenale dell'Incontro, some of the educators and volunteers, also truly united as one family. We led some songs during the meeting, and one of our young people shared his testimony and greeted the Pope on behalf of everyone.

His words (which he and his father wrote) captured his heart and what we try to experience together every day: "Your Holiness, welcome to Jordan! Thank you for your presence among us! My name is Donis. At the Arsenale dell'Incontro, I had the opportunity to learn, study, and experience love and compassion. I found many friends and companions who love me. Yes, we are different, but we respect one another. Our differences, rather than dividing us, teach us how it is possible to live together and allow us to do special things together. At this time, I still have to complete my rehabilitation and education. I still have a problem with my left leg, which is shorter than the other. I thank God for everything He has given me. I thank my family of origin and my second family, the Arsenale dell'Incontro. They are supporting me and teaching me that life doesn't stop when faced with a difficult problem and that, if I allow myself to be helped, important possibilities for my future open up before me."
The Pope said this first of all with his gestures and then in his speech with these words: "The place where we find ourselves reminds us of Jesus' baptism. Coming here to the Jordan to be baptized by John, He shows his humility and his sharing in the human condition: He lowers himself to us and with his love restores our dignity and gives us salvation. We are always struck by this humility of Jesus, his stooping over human wounds to heal them. This stooping of Jesus over all human wounds to heal them!"

The embrace and the words whispered in private sealed a simple yet profound encounter, a sign of a maternal fatherhood that stands by your side, just as you are, whoever you are. Because he loves you. And it becomes a concrete sign of God's love for each of us. Thank you, Pope Francis, for constantly bending over the little ones and the wounded with Jesus and in His name throughout your entire life, until your last breath. Thank you because this humbling of yours spoke beyond every boundary of culture and even of faith. We see it in these days, when your departure for Heaven has touched everyone here too. We treasure it, so that you may continue to live among us, even in your memory.


Edited by the Editorial Staff
NP June 2025