Pope Leo XIV pays hospital visit to youthful Spaniards
Two young pilgrims, Maria, a 20-year-old Spaniard, and Pascale, an 18-year-old Egyptian, who had come to Rome for the Youth Jubilee, have sadly passed away. Their passing has left a deep impact on the event and the wider community.
Ignacio Gonzálvez, a 15-year-old Spanish boy, was also connected to the Youth Jubilee. He was hospitalized with severe lymphoma affecting his respiratory tract during the Jubilee in Rome. Pope Leo XIV personally visited him in the ICU at Bambino Gesù Hospital as a sign of consolation and encouragement for Ignacio and his family.
Pope Leo XIV publicly remembered and prayed for Maria and Pascale during his address at the Jubilee vigil, asking for prayers for them and their families. The Pope's engagement with these young individuals illustrates his pastoral care for youth participating in the Jubilee, marking them as poignant symbols of courage and faith within the event.
During the Youth Jubilee, Ignacio's ongoing illness became a "mission" of hope to bear witness. Maria and Pascale's deaths were solemnly commemorated, highlighting the fragility and dignity of youth even in hardship.
In a meeting with relatives of young patients, children, and staff of a hospital, Pope Leo XIV prayed the Our Father and imparted his blessing. The Pope had also previously received the group with which the young Egyptian, Pascale, had come to Rome.
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his condolences on several occasions regarding the passing of Maria and Pascale. He met individually with some relatives of young patients, children, and staff of a hospital during the event.
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Science played a crucial role in the battle against Ignacio's severe lymphoma, his ongoing health-and-wellness struggle during the Youth Jubilee. The Pope's visit and prayers for Ignacio were a testament to the significance of scientific advancements in healthcare-and-wellness, especially for young individuals.
