‘A child’s cry is like the voice of God, never drive a wailing child out of church’: Pope Francis once said

As the world turns its eyes to the Vatican in anticipation of who will succeed as the next Pope, it is also a moment to reflect on the legacy of the one often hailed as the 'Pope of the Poor' — Pope Francis whose unwavering affection for children touched hearts across continents. His was a papacy defined not only by humility and compassion, but by the way he embraced children — not from a distance, but with the tenderness of a grandfather who saw in them the divine.

Children held a special place in his heart — and he, in theirs. When news of his declining health spread, prayers poured in from around the world. But it was the heartfelt gesture of schoolchildren that stood out: countless handmade get-well cards, some bearing hopeful scribbles, others adorned with prayers. As he lay in hospital, hundreds of children gathered outside, releasing yellow and white balloons into the sky — a scene made even more poignant by the presence of children from war-ravaged countries.

He often reminded the world, “Children are the greatest gift of God.”
 

“They cry, they make noise, they run around. If a child cries during Mass and someone tells the parents to step outside, it troubles me. A child’s cry is like the voice of God. Never silence it. Never drive a child out of church,” he said.

One such moment unfolded during a meeting with members of the Italian Autism Federation. A small child ran onto the stage, joyfully circling the Pope. When his mother tried to bring him back, the child playfully darted away. The Pope smiled gently and said, "Let him be. If he wants to play here, let him."

In their simple yet powerful words, the children sent their love:

"Dear Pope, I believe you will get well soon. Then I can hug you,” read one of the many cards.

In 2023, nearly 7,000 children from 84 countries had the rare chance to meet him. “Dear children, I am waiting to learn from you,” he had told them. The meeting — themed “Let’s Learn from Boys and Girls” — was a joyful exchange, during which he said: "Each time I see you, I feel joy. You remind me how beautiful life is in its simplicity."
 

He also posed gentle questions:
"Do you feel sad when you hear the word ‘war’?”

The children replied: “Yes.”

"You feel sad because your friends can’t go to school. There are so many children who have lost access to education because of war. I pray for them,” he said.

Like a wise elder, he offered advice filled with warmth and care: "Don’t waste food. Don’t throw plastic bottles into the sea. And if something fills you with anger, drink a glass of water before you respond.”

That same day, he met children from Palestine, Ukraine and other conflict zones. A child from Syria asked, "Why is it that when children are killed in war, no one protects them?”

His reply was gentle and heavy with truth: “That is the evil of war.” He then prayed for the innocent lives lost — a moment he later described as one that “etched a memory on my heart that will never fade.”