Pope Francis

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Video, with English text, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-s-november-prayer-intention-for-the-pope.html
Pope's November prayer intention: For the Pope
31 October 2023, 16:00

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of November, asking the faithful to pray that the Lord will bless him.
By Vatican News

In “The Pope Video” for November, Pope Francis asks the faithful to “Pray to the Lord that He will bless me,” saying, “Your prayer gives me strength and helps me to discern and to accompany the Church, listening to the Holy Spirit.”

Each month the Pope offers a specific prayer intention, inviting men and women of good will to pray with him for a particular cause. Recent intentions have included prayers for the Synod, for people living on the margins, and for World Youth Day.

Pope Francis reminds the faithful in this month’s video that “The fact that someone is Pope doesn’t mean they lose their humanity. On the contrary, my humanity grows each day with God’s holy and faithful people.”
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255871/here-is-what-pope-francis-is-doing-for-the-week-of-all-saints-and-all-souls-days

Here is what Pope Francis is doing for the week of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 31, 2023 / 08:50 am

In the Catholic Church, the first days of November are an important time for remembering those who have come and gone before us — both the holy men and women who are canonized saints in heaven and our departed loved ones we hope and pray are also partaking in the beatific vision.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis will mark this holy and significant season with prayer and two liturgies.

On the solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1, Pope Francis will give a short address and lead the Angelus, a traditional Marian prayer, from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square at noon Rome time.

It is the pope’s custom to lead an Angelus on holy days of obligation.

Since All Saints’ Day falls on a Wednesday this year, Francis will not hold his usual weekly general audience.

For All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, he will continue his recent custom of holding a Mass at a cemetery to pray for the dead.
 
The following morning, on Nov. 3, Pope Francis will preside over a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops and cardinals who have died in the previous year. It is the pope’s practice to offer this Mass sometime during the first week of November.

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-on-all-saints-we-are-called-to-holiness-a-gift-and-journey.html
Pope on All Saints: We are called to holiness, a gift and journey together
01 November 2023, 12:18

On the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis speaks about the call to holiness and how it is both a gift from God and a journey to be made together with our brothers and sisters and all the Saints who are companions along the way.
By Thaddeus Jones

Pope Francis greeted pilgrims and visitors in Saint Peter's Square on Wednesday, November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints. Before leading the recitation of the midday Angelus prayer, the Pope said that on All Saints Day we remember our call to holiness. He explained how it is a gift from God that we embrace and a journey we embark upon together, with the Saints accompanying us always along the way.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-commonwealth-cemetery-rome-all-saints-day.html
Pope to pray for victims of conflict at Rome War Cemetery
01 November 2023, 12:38

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 1st November 2023, Solemnity of all Saints

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A new Motu Proprio, "Ad theologiam promovendam" by Pope Francis

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-motu-proprio-pontifical-theology-academy.html
Pope: Theology must interpret the Gospel for today’s world
01 November 2023, 12:30

In a new Motu Proprio, "Ad theologiam promovendam", Pope Francis updates the Statutes of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, calling it to "courageous cultural revolution" and commitment to dialogue in the light of Revelation
By Tiziana Campisi

A Church that is “synodal, missionary, and ‘goes forth’” needs a theology that “goes forth”, too.

That's the thought behind Pope Francis’ new Motu Proprio Ad theologiam promovendam [link to Italian original], dated 1 November 2023, which updates the statutes of the Pontifical Academy of Theology.

Established canonically by Clement XI on 23 April 1718, with the brief Inscrutabili, the Academy aimed "to place theology at the service of the Church and the world". It has evolved over the years into a "group of scholars called to investigate and deepen theological themes of particular relevance".

Now, for the Holy Father, it is time to revise the norms that regulate its activities to make them "more suited to the mission that our times impose on theology".

Opening up to the world and to humanity, "with its problems, its wounds, its challenges, its potential", theological reflection must make room for "an epistemological and methodological rethinking", and is therefore called to "a courageous cultural revolution".

What is needed is "a fundamentally contextual theology", writes the Pope, "capable of reading and interpreting the Gospel in the conditions in which men and women live daily, in different geographical, social, and cultural environments".
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255887/pope-francis-calls-for-paradigm-shift-in-theology-for-world-of-today
Pope Francis calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in theology for world of today
By Jonathan Liedl
Vatican City, Nov 1, 2023 / 15:36 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio.index.html
Motu Proprio
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” "Ad theologiam promovendam" (1st November 2023)

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New interview:  Pope Francis' interview with Italian news program Tg1

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-trusts-in-human-wisdom-to-avoid-escalation-of-war-in-gaza.html
Pope trusts in ‘human wisdom’ to avoid escalation of war
01 November 2023, 22:15

In an interview with Italian news program Tg1, Pope Francis speaks about the possibility of global conflict. Addressing a number topics, he says we must not become accustomed to war and he decries the arms trade.
By Vatican News

For Pope Francis, a global escalation of the war that broke out in Israel and Palestine “is a possibility” but he hopes it does not happen by trusting in “human wisdom”. The Pope’s remarks came during a long interview with Gianmarco Chiocci, director of the Italian news program Tg1, which was broadcast Wednesday on Italy's public broadcaster RaiUno.
 

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New Jubilee app, “Iubilaeum25”, available for download

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-11/jubilee-holy-year-iubilaeum25-2025-app.html
New Jubilee app, “Iubilaeum25”, available for download
01 November 2023, 15:00

The Dicastery for Evangelisation announces the launch of an app in six languages, with news about, and sign-ups for, events during the Holy Year.
By Vatican News

The official mobile app for the Holy Year 2025, "Iubilaeum25", is available for download.

The app, which will make it easier to register for Jubilee events, can be downloaded from the App Store for iOS and from the Play Store for Android.

It will also provide all the news on the Jubilee, and allow users to register as a pilgrim for the Holy Year and obtain a free Pilgrim Card.
 

Website: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255891/summorum-pontificum-pilgrimage-draws-traditional-latin-mass-devotees-to-rome

Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage draws Traditional Latin Mass devotees to Rome
By Matthew Santucci
Vatican City, Nov 1, 2023 / 17:50 pm

More than 1,000 pilgrims gathered in Rome for an annual three-day pilgrimage for those devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass held Oct. 27–29.

The Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage takes its name from Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter Summorum Pontficum, which granted near universal permission for any priest of the Latin rite to celebrate the Mass and the other sacraments according to the 1962 Roman Missal.

In an explanatory note to the motu proprio, Pope Benedict wrote: “There is no contradiction between the two editions of the Roman Missal. In the history of the liturgy there is growth and progress, but no rupture. What earlier generations held as sacred remains sacred and great for us, too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful.”

Summorum Pontificum was, however, abrogated on July 16, 2021, when Pope Francis issued the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which imposed severe restrictions on the celebration of the Mass. The document reversed key points of Summorum Pontificum, affirming instead that it was the right of the diocesan bishop to grant permission to individual priests for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-all-souls-day-lives-cut-short-war.html
All Souls' Day: Pope prays for lives ‘cut short’ by war
02 November 2023, 11:58

As war continues to rage in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, and elsewhere, Pope Francis speaks of remembering the dead and hoping for reunion with them in God’s Kingdom.
By Joseph Tulloch

On Thursday, 2 November, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for All Souls' Day at Rome’s Military Cemetery.

In his homily – delivered off-the-cuff, without the aid of notes – the Pope remembered those who have gone before us, particularly those whose lives have been “cut short” by war.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Commemoration of all the faithful departed (Rome War Cemetery, 2 November 2023)

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255894/pope-francis-to-attend-cop28-climate-change-conference-in-dubai-in-december

Pope Francis to attend COP28 climate change conference in Dubai in December
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 2, 2023 / 06:01 am

Pope Francis said in an Italian television interview on Wednesday that he intends to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the COP28 climate change conference in early December.

“I believe I depart on the 1st [of December] and stay until the 3rd. I’ll be there three days,” the pope said on the Italian state television network RAI in an interview broadcast on the evening of Nov. 1.

Francis did not provide further details on the schedule of the trip, which had been rumored but is not yet formally announced by the Vatican.

The pope met the president-designate of COP28 UAE, Sultan Al Jaber, at the Vatican in mid-October. The climate change summit will take place at the Expo City Dubai Nov. 30–Dec. 12.

The United Nations annual climate change conference, known as the “Conference of the Parties” (COP), includes governments that have signed the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and/or the Paris Agreement.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-laundromats-turin-open.html

"Pope Francis Laundromats" for the homeless open in Italy
02 November 2023, 16:54

Two facilities offering showers and washing machines to the homeless and economically disadvantaged open in Turin, Italy.
By Vatican News

Places designed to offer cleanliness and hygiene, but first and foremost dignity.

They were inspired by the Pope and his tireless advocacy for those suffer misery in all its forms.

The two ‘Pope Francis Laundromats’, also equipped with showers, opened today, November 2, in Turin.

One was set up inside the Parish of San Giorgio Martire, and the other in the town centre, in the 'House of Friendship' at the 'La Sosta' centre.

Their inauguration, which took place in the early afternoon, was preceded by a Mass presided over by the Papal Almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, attended by about 200 people, mostly homeless.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-offers-mass-for-souls-of-pope-benedict-deceased-prelates.html
Pope offers Mass for souls of Benedict XVI, deceased prelates
03 November 2023, 10:19

Pope Francis on Friday offered the Sacrifice of the Mass for the repose of Pope Benedict XVI and of Cardinals and Bishops who have died over the course of the past year.
By Christopher Wells

One day after the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, Pope Francis presided at Holy Mass in suffrage for the souls of Benedict XVI and more than 150 Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops who have died in the course of the past year.

In his homily, Pope Francis recalled his predecessor’s teaching that “faith is not primarily an idea to be understood or a moral precept, but a person to be encountered. That person is Jesus Christ, whose heart beats with love for us, whose eyes look with pity on our suffering.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255906/pope-francis-like-benedict-xvi-be-humble-laborers-for-the-church
Pope Francis: Like Benedict XVI, be ‘humble laborers’ for the Church
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 3, 2023 / 07:05 am

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/11/pope-celebrates-memorial-for-benedict-xvi-pell-and-other-departed-prelates
Pope celebrates memorial for Benedict XVI, Pell, and other departed prelates
By Elise Ann Allen
Nov 3, 2023

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Eucharistic Celebration in memory of the late Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, and the Cardinals and Bishops deceased during the year (3 November 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-palestinian-president-mahmoud-abbas-peace.html

Pope speaks by phone with Palestinian President Abbas
03 November 2023, 12:25

Pope Francis holds a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who thanks the Pope for his peace-building efforts and inviting him to continue pressing for a ceasefire.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis and Mahmoud Abbas spoke by telephone on Thursday in the late afternoon, Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, has told reporters.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the Palestinian President expressed his appreciation for Pope Francis’ efforts in supporting peace-building in the region.

President Abbas then stressed the vital importance of the Vatican continuing its efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire, stressing the need to spare civilians the horrors of war.

Mahmoud Abbas, Wafa reports, then indicated the urgency of establishing permanent humanitarian corridors for the delivery of medical and food supplies and the provision of water and electricity to Gaza.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-to-go-to-dubai-for-cop28.html

Pope Francis to visit Dubai for COP28 in early December
03 November 2023, 12:01

Pope Francis will travel to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, for the COP28 climate summit on 1-3 December, just two months after the publication of his Apostolic Exhortation 'Laudate Deum' on the climate crisis.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis will visit Dubai for COP28, according to Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office.

"Accepting the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates," Mr. Bruni announced in a statement on Friday, "His Holiness Pope Francis will make the previously announced trip to Dubai from 1 to 3 December 2023, on the occasion of the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28)."

In a recent interview with an Italian television programme, the Holy Father said he would be traveling to the UAE for the occasion.

This marks the first time a Pope has attended the UN climate summit.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-11/ratzinger-prize-2023-goes-to-a-theologians-and-philosophers.html

Ratzinger Prize 2023 goes to two Spanish theologians and philosophers
03 November 2023, 14:07

Two Spanish professors and scholars will be honoured with the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Prize 2023 at the award ceremony on 30 November in the Vatican.
By Vatican News

The Ratzinger Prize 2023 has been awarded to the Spanish philosophers and theologians Pablo Blanco Sarto and Francesc Torralba Roselló.

Presenting to them the honour will be Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on 30 November in the Sala Regia of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The ceremony will begin at 5 pm Rome time and will feature reflections on the legacy of Joseph Ratzinger - Benedict XVI - almost a year after his death.

In the morning, at 8:15 am, a special Mass will be celebrated in the Vatican Grottoes in memory of the Pope Emeritus, who passed away on 31 December 2022.

In addition, on the afternoon of 29 November, starting at 5 pm, Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University will host a study conference in English on the subject.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-at-angelus-may-we-credible-witnesses-of-the-gospel.html
Pope at Angelus: May we be credible witnesses of the Gospel
05 November 2023, 12:07

In his reflections ahead of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis says we have to practice what we preach to be credible witnesses of the Gospel, as well as cultivate our interior lives for a sincerity of heart.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis focused on two dimensions to the Sunday Gospel reading that recounts when Jesus spoke about the duplicity in religious leaders of the time who "preach, but do not practice” and "do all their deeds to be seen by others."

The gap between "saying and doing" and the emphasis on "the exterior over the interior" are aspects we need to look at in our own lives also, the Pope said in his reflections ahead of the Angelus prayer on Sunday.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-angelus-prays-victims-nepal-earthquake.html
Pope prays for victims of quake in Nepal, floods in Europe
05 November 2023, 12:24

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-angelus-appeal-gaza-ukraine-israel-palestine.html
Pope renews appeals for ceasefire in Holy Land, release of hostages
05 November 2023, 12:33

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 5 November 2023

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-phone-conversation-iran-president-raisi.html

Pope Francis speaks with Iranian President by phone
05 November 2023, 20:46

Pope Francis holds a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, according to the Holy See Press Office.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis spoke by phone on Sunday afternoon with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed the conversation, specifying that it occurred at the request of the Iranian president.

The Iranian presidency's website reported that President Raisi expressed his appreciation for the Pope's appeals for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis reiterated his appeal at the Angelus address:

"I continue to think about the serious situation in Palestine and in Israel where many, many people have lost their lives. In God’s name, I beg you to stop: cease using weapons! I hope that avenues will be pursued so that an escalation of the conflict might be absolutely avoided, so that the wounded can be rescued and help might get to the population of Gaza where the humanitarian situation is extremely serious. May the hostages be freed immediately. There are also many children among them – may they return to their families! Yes, let’s think of the children, of all the children affected by this war, as well as in Ukraine and by other conflicts: this is how their future is being killed. Let us pray that there might be the strength to say, 'enough'."

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255920/pope-francis-keeps-busy-schedule-despite-feeling-not-well

Pope Francis keeps busy schedule despite feeling ‘not well’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 6, 2023 / 09:46 am

Pope Francis is continuing to keep a full schedule even as the Holy Father said he was not feeling well during a meeting Monday morning with Jewish rabbis from Europe.

According to the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, the pope decided not to read his prepared remarks at the Nov. 6 audience but to hand over printed copies instead.

“Thank you for this visit that I appreciate very much,” the pope said during the meeting, “but it happens that I am not well in health and that is why I prefer not to read the speech but give it to you.”

Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni told Il Corriere della Sera that the pope “has a bit of a cold and a long day of audiences. He wanted to greet the European rabbis individually and that is why he handed over the address. Otherwise, the pope’s activities are continuing regularly.”
 

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/11/pope-skips-speech-to-rabbis-but-otherwise-maintains-schedule
Pope skips speech to rabbis, but otherwise maintains schedule
By Elise Ann Allen
Nov 6, 2023

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-to-european-rabbis-dialogue-is-key-to-peace.html

Pope to European Rabbis: Dialogue is key to peace
06 November 2023, 13:28

Meeting a delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis, Pope Francis highlights the crucial importance of Jewish-Christian dialogue in bringing about peace and justice in the Holy Land, and condemns resurgent anti-Semitism in various parts of the world.
By Lisa Zengarini

“Not weapons, not terrorism, not war, but compassion, justice and dialogue are the fitting means for building peace.”

With these words Pope Francis reiterated on Monday his impassioned plea for peace in the Holy Land. Addressing a delegation of Conference of European Rabbis in the Vatican, the Pope focused on the ongoing war in the region.

The Pope handed his prepared remarks to members of the delegation and said he wasn't feeling well enough to read it.

Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters afterwards that the Pope has a bit of a cold and a heavy schedule of audiences on Monday. "He wanted to greet the European Rabbis individually and for this reason he handed them his speech," said Mr. Bruni. "Otherwise, the Pope's activities continue normally."
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/november.index.html
Speeches 2023 November
To a Delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis (6 November 2023)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-address-anniversary-little-house-of-mercy-italy.html

Pope praises compassion of 'Little House of Mercy' in Sicily
06 November 2023, 12:00

Pope Francis commends the Apostolic Fraternity of Mercy for their 25-year-long commitment to serving people in need, urging them to embrace humility, creative service, and a desire to lead people to God's tender embrace.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis on Monday addressed members of the Apostolic Fraternity of Mercy and the community of the Little House of Mercy in Gela, Sicily, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Apostolic Fraternity and the 10th anniversary of the Little House.

In his address, the Holy Father extended a warm welcome to the attendees and emphasised the importance of their work and the spirituality that guides them.

The Pope highlighted the significance of the large family gathered for the occasion, saying each person contributes unique gifts and offers a testament to the journey of the Apostolic Fraternity of Mercy over the years.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/november.index.html
Speeches 2023 November
To a group from the Little House of Mercy in Gela (Caltanissetta) (6 November 2023)

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-address-children-world-paul-vi-hall-november-6.html
Pope invites children to teach world through their joy and purity
06 November 2023, 16:00

Pope Francis meets with 7,500 children from 84 countries in the Vatican, and emphasises the importance of learning from their innate joy and the unity they represent.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis welcomed children from around the world to the Vatican's Paul VI Hall to share a few moments of joy and laughter during a meeting themed "Let's Learn from Boys and Girls."

Addressing the young audience, the Pope expressed his gratitude to the children, those who accompanied them, and the organisers of the event, including Cardinal José Tolentino and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, as well as Father Enzo Fortunato, who made the event possible.

He also acknowledged all the other families and organisations whose contributions were essential to this event taking place.
 

Photo gallery at the link...
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255924/in-special-meeting-pope-francis-talks-peace-war-climate-with-kids-from-around-the-world
In special meeting, Pope Francis talks peace, war, climate with kids from around the world
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 6, 2023 / 13:38 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/november.index.html
Speeches 2023 November
Event "Children Meet the Pope - Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls" (6 November 2023)