Pope Francis kicks off 'World Children's Day' at Rome's Olympic Stadium

Pope Francis kicks off 'World Children's Day' at Rome's Olympic Stadium

ROME, Italy – Pope Francis appeared at Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, May 25, to provide a symbolic kick-off to a soccer match as part of celebrations for a Vatican-hosted “World Children’s Day” festival. Francis, 87, who has suffered from bouts of poor health, stood up from his chair by the side of the pitch as the ball was presented to him by a child accompanied by former Italian national team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The Pope, who is…

Pope Francis Meets With 50,000 for World Children’s Day in Rome’s Olympic Stadium

Daniel Ibañez Pope Francis watches a friendly soccer game between Italian professional soccer players and children clad in uniforms as part of the first World Children’s Day on May 25 at Olympic Stadium in Rome. The Pope spoke on the importance of building a future based on peace, hope and dialogue.